FLASHPOINT: SPFL threaten Old Firm clubs with further action over fans’ fireworks… as First Minister Swinney slams supporter behaviour

The SPFL is considering new disciplinary charges against Celtic and Rangers after fans of both clubs ignored warnings about the use of fireworks before the Premier Sports Cup final.

Sunday’s showpiece final at Hampden was postponed by three minutes after fireworks at both ends of the ground filled the air with acrid smoke.

The SPFL is awaiting the match delegate’s report before deciding what action to take against both the fireworks and the ‘unacceptable’ encroachment by fans on Hampden’s track during and after the match.

Two arrests were made, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney labeling the use of flares as ‘alarming’ and describing scenes of pre-match disorder caused by ultras groups in Glasgow city center as ‘completely and utterly unacceptable’.

The Green Brigade and Union Bears clashed in Glasgow’s Argyle Street, throwing flares at each other as Christmas shoppers took refuge in shops. A 26-year-old man was seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The fireworks continued at Hampden despite pre-match appeals to supporters from both clubs and managers Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement.

Hampden was a sea of ​​red and orange just before kick-off

The persistent smoke from the fireworks caused a three-minute delay in kick-off

Celtic and Rangers were already confronted with complaints about disruption of the semi-finals earlier this month, but now there is a good chance that more charges will follow.

The SPFL has started reviewing footage of Sunday’s final. A new complaint, scheduled for independent disciplinary panels early next year, could see both finalists face sanctions ranging from fines to the closure of parts of stadiums for future cup matches.

In a statement, the SPFL said: ‘Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final was an enthralling match, full of twists and turns. Both teams deserve a lot of credit for the role they played in one of the most exciting cup finals in recent memory. Celtic and Rangers showed passionate, dramatic and end-to-end football, showcasing the best of our game.

‘However, the SPFL, Police Scotland and the Scottish FA have made it clear that the unauthorized use of pyrotechnics is illegal and unsafe. The disruptive displays that took place before and during Sunday’s match were therefore completely unacceptable and led to a further delay in the start of the match.

‘The SPFL will liaise with Police Scotland regarding their investigation into this illegal behavior and these events will also be considered as part of the SPFL’s ongoing disciplinary investigation into both clubs in relation to the use of pyrotechnics.

‘The SPFL is awaiting the match delegate’s post-match report, which will also discuss other matters including the unacceptable intrusion of supporters into the Hampden Park track area during and after the match.’

Celtic’s semi-final against Aberdeen was postponed by 14 minutes after fans of the Glasgow club lit fireworks and torches. The match between Rangers and Motherwell the following day was also postponed by five minutes after both groups of fans lit pyrotechnics.

Motherwell have also received a letter of complaint from the SPFL, with further incidents of fireworks during the matches between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline and Livingston against Partick Thistle.

Hampden had its own fireworks show on the field, which were set off in a controlled manner

Prime Minister Swinney has spoken out about the disturbing scenes in Glasgow city centre

In 2023, a ban on the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums was introduced in Scotland. Privately, senior figures believe Holyrood could do more to enforce the football ban orders. While courts issued 41 banning orders to fans convicted of criminal charges in 2021/2022, official figures showed this number had fallen to just one in 2023/2024.

Despite evidence that the criminal justice system is failing to crack down on an unacceptable failure among football fans, Prime Minister Swinney sought to place the responsibility for policing the disorder on Glasgow’s streets at the door of the two clubs.

Speaking on a visit to Paisley yesterday, Mr Swinney said: ‘There was a completely and utterly unacceptable level of violence yesterday from a small minority of football fans involved in the match.

‘It caused fear and anxiety for people who were happily doing their Christmas shopping in the center of Glasgow and this should not have happened under any circumstances.’

The First Minister claimed the two clubs have a responsibility to ‘take into account the behavior of their fans’ and absolved Police Scotland of blame for allowing the scenes to take place, adding: ‘Police Scotland had completely handled the situation properly and extensively checked.

‘There will of course be follow-up actions as a result of these incidents, which is a matter for the police, but fundamentally this type of behavior is unacceptable. It’s a minority of fans involved and that shouldn’t be tolerated.”

Both Celtic and Rangers were contacted for comment.