As we reach the middle of January, one question lingers unanswered: when will Celtic finally face the SPFL’s disciplinary hearing over the use of pyrotechnics during last month’s League Cup semi-final? Despite the initial charge sparking debate across Scottish football, there has been no indication of when the matter will be addressed. This delay raises important questions about the intent and process behind these charges.

The Charges: A Statement Without Follow-Through?

The charge against Celtic stems from the Green Brigade’s flare display ahead of their 6-0 demolition of Aberdeen. The display, which spelt out ‘CFC’, delayed kick-off by 14 minutes due to the smoke obscuring visibility. At the time, it seemed significant enough for the SPFL to take action, but weeks later, the silence is deafening. Was this charge merely a performative move to be seen addressing pyro use, or is there more to the story?

The continued absence of a hearing date invites scepticism. It’s not just fans asking why the hold-up; the clubs involved are likely frustrated by the lack of clarity. Is the SPFL dragging its feet, or are they unsure of how to handle the broader implications of these charges?

Mixed Signals Amid Continued Pyro Use

Adding to the confusion, pyro has remained a common sight at matches since the charges were announced, including among Celtic fans. This ongoing use makes the lack of action from Hampden Park even more puzzling. Are the governing bodies taking this issue seriously, or was the initial charge a token gesture with no real intention to follow through?

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Semi Final – Celtic v Aberdeen – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 2, 2024 Celtic fans with flares inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Craig Brough

The delay also risks undermining the credibility of the disciplinary process. If the charges were meant to signal a crackdown on pyro, that message has been lost in the weeks of inaction. Instead, the charges now appear more symbolic than substantive, raising further doubts about the SPFL’s approach.

What Is the Real Aim of These Charges?

The lack of movement raises another key question: what is the SPFL’s ultimate goal here? Is it genuinely about addressing safety concerns and improving fan behaviour, or is it about testing the waters for stricter measures like strict liability? If the latter, the prolonged silence is a poor start.

Strict liability—holding clubs accountable for all fan behaviour—has been a contentious topic in Scottish football. While it’s been implemented in other countries, critics argue that Scotland’s unique football culture and financial constraints make such measures impractical. The SPFL’s handling of these charges does little to clarify their stance or intentions.

The Need for Transparency

This case could have been an opportunity for the SPFL to set a clear precedent. Whether fans agree or disagree with the charges, swift action would have at least shown that the governing body is capable of handling these issues decisively. Instead, the prolonged delay feels like a missed opportunity for transparency and leadership.

What Happens Next?

As the weeks roll on, the lack of clarity becomes harder to ignore. Was this charge a genuine attempt to tackle pyro use, or simply a symbolic gesture? And if it’s the latter, what does that say about the SPFL’s ability to manage the broader issues facing Scottish football?

Until the SPFL’s provides answers, these questions will only grow louder.

7 COMMENTS

  1. Total ban to be backed by fan groups, never going to happen. Total ban of pyro by fan groups fifteen minutes before any fixture, they may consider this. If their pyro wings have awoken by then.

    Nothing really legally wrong with pyro use, if your at sea, and really fuc&ed, have a buddle on a icey mountain side with a badly twisted or broken limb.
    .But, and I repeat But not for fun.
    Neither is running aboot a train carriage or the halls of a Irish sea ferry waving them.

    But Bhoys And bare onions like a bit of laughter on short sea journeys.

  2. The SFA have their own pyrotechnics at cup finals and the SPL winners have one at their own stadium, do we ban them ?
    I personally think there is no need for them at football matches.

  3. I know several fans who suffer from asthma and other lung illnesses.
    All it will take is for one fan to sue the SPFL, the SFA and the clubs for neglect to their health and the pyros will soon stop.

  4. Time for strict liability.

    That would eventually cause our fan base to finally waken up and realise that the GB have absolutely no interest in Celtic.

    They use the club solely as an outlet for their tiresome, self-indulgent childish antics which embarrass the club, cost us money and result in away ticket allocations being cut by virtually every club we play.

    Just look at the rigmarole needed to get a ticket for the Villa game.

    The Celtic board, like their counterparts across the city, have shown zero interest in dealing with the scumbags so its time that they were made to, or the club faces the consequences.

    Maybe then, our board/SLO will finally pull the finger out and ensure the health and safety of the vast majority of our support who are there to support the team

  5. Hound these clowns out of football a.s.a.p . Strict liability the answer , any pyro ground closed for next game .
    Will soon be history.

  6. What can the SPFL or SFA do, Sky is allowed to use shooting fllames within the stadium.
    That has allowed a precedent.
    Any fines can be challenged and case has a good chance of being won.
    I would ask fans to stop using dangerous pyros, it only takes one fool to blind a fellow supporter.

    • Aye on you go Davie, I’m sure your plea to the fans to stop will succeed where the club, Brendan, the SOFL, the SFA and other fans have failed.

      They just have to pay attention to a guy who can’t tell the differènce between controlled shooting flames nowhere near fans and pyros held and set off by neds with other fans in close proximity!

      Doh!

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