The SPFL has taken an unprecedented step by charging Celtic, Rangers, and Motherwell for the use of pyrotechnics by fans during last month’s League Cup semi-finals. The league’s decision marks a significant shift in its approach, moving from warnings and public appeals to formal action.
Celtic’s semi-final clash with Aberdeen, which saw the Hoops cruise to an emphatic 6-0 victory, is under scrutiny due to a pyrotechnic display in the stands. The incidents at Hampden have now landed the club, along with their city rivals and Motherwell, in hot water.
An independent hearing is set to take place early next year to address the charges, and a range of potential sanctions is reportedly on the table. With no prior cases to reference, the possible penalties remain uncertain, leaving all three clubs in uncharted territory.
For years, the use of pyrotechnics in Scottish football has been a contentious issue, with authorities and clubs alike condemning their use due to safety concerns. However, enforcement has been limited, and this marks the first time such measures have been escalated to formal charges. Celtic are no stranger to fines for pyro in Europe.
The case raises significant questions about how Celtic, in particular, will handle the situation. Will the club accept responsibility for fan behaviour, or will they push back against the notion that they should be held accountable? The outcome could set a precedent for how the SPFL addresses similar incidents in the future.
With the league’s crackdown now firmly underway, attention will turn to the disciplinary process and the potential ramifications for the clubs involved.
