SPFL escalate rap sheet against Celtic and Rangers as pyro-flouting rule breakers see fresh charge added
The SPFL have warned Celtic and Rangers that pyro-flouting behaviour from punters at the Premier Sports Cup Final will be included in their ongoing case against both clubs.
The Glasgow giants will be in the dock after Sunday's showpiece, a thriller which ended 3-3 before Celtic won it on penalties, was delayed due to multiple incidents before kick off. And Celtic and Rangers are still to learn their punishment for their breaches in the semi finals against Aberdeen and Motherwell, with the Steelmen themselves having a case to answer. Their case will be heard in January with the league chiefs having multiple punishments at their disposal.
The SPFL heralded a final to remember but also made clear the pyro on show plus supporters exiting the stands and ending up pitchside will also be looked at amid their ongoing investigation. An SPFL statement read: "Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final was an enthralling match, filled with twists and turns. Both teams deserve huge credit for the part they played in one of the most exciting cup finals in recent memory. Celtic and Rangers put on a display of passionate, dramatic and end-to-end football, which showcased all that is best about our game.
"Everyone at the SPFL would like to pass on our congratulations to the players, management and directors of Celtic on their trophy win, and we also send our commiserations to everyone connected with Rangers, who helped make it such a thrilling showpiece event. However, the SPFL, Police Scotland and the Scottish FA have been clear that the unauthorised use of pyrotechnics is illegal and unsafe. Therefore, the disruptive displays which took place before and during Sunday’s match were completely unacceptable and again led to a delay to the start of the match.
"The SPFL will liaise with Police Scotland regarding their investigations into this illegal behaviour and these events will also be considered as part of the SPFL’s ongoing disciplinary investigations into both clubs regarding the use of pyrotechnics. The SPFL is awaiting the match delegate’s report following the game, which will also consider other matters, including the unacceptable encroachment of supporters onto the Hampden Park trackside area during and after the match."
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