The SPFL has issued a stern warning to Celtic and Rangers supporters ahead of this Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden Park, urging them to refrain from using pyrotechnics.
The warning comes after delays caused by pyro displays led to disciplinary action last month.
During the semi-finals, Celtic’s match against Aberdeen was delayed by a staggering 14 minutes due to pyro-related incidents, while Rangers’ encounter with Motherwell faced a five-minute hold-up for similar reasons.
The SPFL, Scottish FA, and Police Scotland are working together to ensure that the cup final proceeds smoothly, without the interruptions seen in the previous rounds.
Any further pyro incidents could lead to stricter sanctions for both clubs, who are already facing disciplinary proceedings for the semi-final delays.
In a formal statement, the SPFL addressed the issue directly:
“Final preparations are under way for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park, as the SPFL gets set to welcome tens of thousands of supporters for one of Scottish football’s showpiece events.
“The SPFL is incredibly proud that it has the highest match attendance per capita in Europe and is committed to working with clubs and supporters to continue to enhance the overall matchday experience. The SPFL and Scottish FA have been in discussions after receiving requests to facilitate fan displays at the match.
“The Scottish football authorities are keen to support such requests, where appropriate, as such fan displays can enhance the matchday experience for all supporters in attendance. However, we have been clear with fans that while such displays will be accommodated, there remains a strict prohibition on smuggling pyrotechnics into the match, given they are illegal and pose clear risks to supporters, players and those working at matches.
“The SPFL, Scottish FA and both clubs are working with Police Scotland, and fans breaking the law by attempting to bring pyrotechnics into matches face a range of sanctions, including criminal charges and football banning orders as well as adding to the ongoing disciplinary process currently facing both clubs.
“As has been customary for recent Premier Sports Cup Semi-Finals and Finals, there will also be a pre-match organised display at the stadium, including the use of flame boxes ahead of the match kicking off. Such flame boxes are heavily regulated and used widely by sporting bodies across the world ahead of major events.
“Sunday promises to be a hugely exciting occasion, and we want fans of both clubs to have an enjoyable, memorable and safe day.”
The message is clear: any attempt to bring or use pyrotechnics in Hampden Park on Sunday could have serious consequences for both the individual fans and the clubs themselves.
The SPFL has stressed that pyrotechnics are not just disruptive, but dangerous. The risk of injury to fans, players, and matchday staff is significant, with smoke, heat, and debris posing potential hazards. The use of pyrotechnics is also illegal in Scottish football stadiums, meaning those caught in possession or use of pyro could face criminal charges, banning orders or other sanctions.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has previously spoken out against the use of pyrotechnics, particularly highlighting the impact on player preparation and increasing the chances of player injuries.
