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The SPFL introduces a ‘European-first’ regarding pyrotechnics, months after Celtic disciplined
The use of pyrotechnics by supporters has been a huge talking point in Scottish football, and Celtic have been at the heart of it.
Celtic supporters are used to many trips to Hampden, given the club’s dominant success for the past two decades, and pyrotechnics have been used, as well as at home games.
But the champions of Scotland aren’t the only ones on the domestic circuit who have used pyrotechnics, because the likes of Motherwell, Aberdeen, Rangers, and Partick Thistle, to name a few, have gone down that road.
To nobody’s surprise, the use of pyros has always caused a stir, and the SPFL have been quick to crack down on the clubs whose supporters make any use of it.
And now, the powers that be at the SPFL have introduced a programme that won’t sit well with those wanting to use pyrotechnics at games.
SPFL introduce pyrotechnics programme
The reason why supporters, not just those in Celtic colours, use pyrotechnics is because the modern-day atmosphere has gone down the drain.
The rules in place now are so draconian that it has killed the vibe, colour, and noise in the stands. But the powers that be simply are against pyrotechnics being used to help that.
Back in August, Celtic, alongside Aberdeen, Rangers, and Partick Thistle, were ‘disciplined’ by the SPFL for their fans’ pyrotechnic displays.
The SPFL have stated, ahead of their new initiative being launched, that it aimed at ‘fans who have previously used pyrotechnics at matches.’
They also want to educate ‘younger’ supporters on what they deem the ‘risks’ of using pyrotechnics inside or outside of football stadiums.
Of course, there are going to be many fans, not just those wearing the famous green and white colours, who will look across Europe, as well as across the continent in South America, and see the many pyrotechnic displays.
They won’t agree with what is being thrown at them by those higher up, and will continue to feel that the atmosphere at games is being dialled down by safety-gone-mad people.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has taken a significant step by introducing a ‘European-first’ approach to tackling pyrotechnics in football, following disciplinary action against Celtic, Motherwell, and Rangers for breaches of SPFL rules. The clubs were charged after pyrotechnic displays by their supporters during the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals, which caused delays and posed health and safety risks ¹ ² ³.
The SPFL has imposed sanctions on the clubs, including suspended reductions in ticket allocations and immediate reductions for future matches. This move marks a shift in the league’s approach, moving from warnings to formal action against clubs whose supporters engage in pyrotechnic displays.
Celtic, in particular, has been fined and had tickets reduced for future matches after pyrotechnic displays during their semi-final match against Aberdeen and the final against Rangers. The club has expressed opposition to the use of pyrotechnics, citing safety concerns ³
