Celtic fans are facing further Hampden ticket sanctions after the SPFL revealed the champions are one of three clubs to be hit with fresh disciplinary charges relating to the use of pyrotechnics.
In March, Celtic and Rangers were told their allocations for their next League Cup match to be played at the national stadium will be cut by 500 as a result of similar offences at last December’s final.
The Parkhead club were also handed a suspended sanction of a reduction of 800 tickets for a future League Cup match at Hampden if there was any repeat at an SPFL match over a two-year period.
Now the governing body have revealed that Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle will be served with new notices of complaint.
A league statement read: ‘During the 2024-25 season, the SPFL took disciplinary action against a number of clubs and notices of complaints have now been raised against three clubs in respects of incidents which occurred at the end of the season – Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic.’
Celtic have been cited over a ’large-scale orchestrated pyrotechnic display’ which took place at the final game of the Premiership season against St Mirren.
The Green Brigade fire pyros during Celtic’s final game of the season against St Mirren
Celtic had previously been sanctioned along with Rangers for pyros set off during League Cup final
The flares were accompanied by a banner directed at club chief executive Michael Nicholson which read: ‘Fan engagement up in smoke’.
Aberdeen face action after a pyrotechnic display impacted live TV coverage of their home game against Celtic in May.
Thistle are cited over a delay caused by pyrotechnics, which were then thrown on the pitch, in their play-off win over Ayr at Somerset Park. A pitch invasion following Brian Graham’s winner was also cited.
The SPFL have also called for football banning orders to be issued on a more widespread basis to combat rising levels of fan disorder.
Scottish football witnessed some shameful episodes last season, the most-high profile incident seeing Aberdeen’s Jack MacKenzie struck on the head by a chair thrown by one of his team’s own supporters.
Livingston also issued a lifetime ban to a supporter who allegedly spat at a Ross County coach during the Premiership play-off a couple of weeks ago.
And there were ugly scenes surrounding the play-off match between Ayr and Partick, including violence outside the ground, a pitch invasion, and some young fans being injured by pyrotechnics.
In a statement released yesterday, the SPFL praised fans across the country for breaking attendance records, but insisted that a minority of idiots continue to bring shame on the game.
A Partick Thistle fans holds a flare aloft during the club’s play-off with Ayr at Somerset Park
Aberdeen supporters unleash red flares during the Scottish Cup final win over Celtic
Calling for greater use of banning orders, following a similar demand from SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell this week, a statement read: ‘While the vast and overwhelming majority of supporters are an undoubted force for good in our game, it’s been extremely disappointing to see a small number persisting with dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour.
‘Whether that’s flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, throwing missiles, or pitch invasions, these actions put staff, supporters and players at risk and are completely unacceptable.
‘For example, the incident which saw Aberdeen player Jack Mackenzie left injured at Tannadice Park after a chair was thrown onto the pitch, simply beggars belief.
‘It goes without saying that players, staff and fellow supporters should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles.
‘The swift cooperation between clubs, supporters and Police Scotland helped identify the alleged perpetrator, who has since appeared in court. This is a model of how our system should work.
‘In another recent incident, Livingston quickly issued a lifetime ban to an individual who allegedly spat at a member of the Ross County coaching team, and we commend the club’s prompt and decisive action.
‘As well as club bans, unwelcome incidents such as these have unfortunately made it abundantly clear that there is a need for far more widespread use of football banning orders (FBOs) and we are encouraged by the progress being made in partnership with our clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.
SFA chief Ian Maxwell’s call for widespread banning orders has been echoed by SPFL
‘We have been discussing broadening the scope of these orders as part of the Scottish Government’s FBO working group and we’re extremely pleased to see this was covered in the Programme for Government in May.
‘These recent incidents reinforce the need for such sanctions to protect the match-day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans.’
The statement added: ‘The SPFL will undertake a number of discussions with supporter groups to better understand their views and explore the challenges involved. We’re committed to open and constructive engagement as we work together to ensure a safe, enjoyable and inclusive match day experience for all fans.
‘We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for players and supporters – they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less.’
