The Pyro Problem

Photo by Tom Caillarec on Unsplash

By Aaron Masterson

Old Firm clubs Rangers and Celtic have had 500 tickets cut for their next Premier Sports Cup games at the national stadium after the SPFL charged the clubs for pyrotechnic use at Hampden Park which breaches SPFL’s rule H34.  

This rule states each club must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that its players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a function for or connected with the Club do not engage in unacceptable conduct at a stadium on the occasion of an official match. 

Motherwell have also been charged. However, the Steelmen have received a suspended sentence of an 800-fan reduction which will come into effect if SPFL rule H34 is again breached by the North Lanarkshire side.  

These charges come after a large-scale pyro display in both semifinals of the Premier Sports Cup first between Motherwell and Rangers then in the game with Aberdeen and Celtic. The immediate 500 ticket reduction comes from the three-minute delay required to clear the pitch during Celtic’s penalty shootout victory in the final.  

Statements from all three clubs (Rangers, Celtic and Motherwell) reiterated that pyrotechnics have no place in football and will only continue to hamper the experience of the majority who do not participate in this behaviour.  

Celtic have already been charged for using pyro by UEFA on multiple occasions during their UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign in games against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa.  

The Hoops received a £16,700 fine along with a suspended sentence for their actions in Germany. However, they were again disciplined with a £16,700 fine for a smoke bomb thrown onto the pitch at Villa Park. Although Celtic should have done without away fans for their last 16 clash at the Allianz Arena against 2020 UCL winners Bayern Munich, after discussions with UEFA, The Bhoys received a 3,750-ticket allocation for the match.  

Fears from former Rangers manager Phillipe Clement and current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers who condemned pyro use before this season’s League Cup final indicate there are no signs that this problem in Scotland coming to an end anytime soon.