The SPFL is ramping up efforts to combat the use of pyrotechnics at football matches, following a series of incidents that have landed clubs, including Celtic, in hot water.
Recent episodes have resulted in financial penalties for Celtic and raised concerns over potential bans on fan attendance at European games.
With UEFA taking a hardline stance, Celtic has been fined and warned that repeated offences could lead to an away fan ban at European fixtures.
Celtic supporters have been urged by the club to refrain from using fireworks and pyrotechnics, with a stern warning that any repeat incidents over the next two years will trigger a lockout of away fans for European matches.
In response to the ongoing issue, the SPFL has stepped up its efforts by engaging in extensive talks with the Scottish Government, police, and the Crown Office. These discussions have taken place over four meetings at Holyrood since May, involving an expert group tasked with developing tougher sanctions to tackle the problem.
One of the key measures being proposed is the introduction of Football Banning Orders that could last up to ten years for those found guilty of using pyrotechnics at matches.
Clubs across the league have been briefed on these developments, and new legislation is being prepared for introduction in the Scottish Parliament, SunSport reports. The proposed laws are expected to pass to further discourage the use of pyrotechnics and ensure the safety of fans, players, and staff alike.
With this initiative gaining momentum, the SPFL and its partners are making it clear that there will be no tolerance for pyrotechnics in Scottish football. If passed, the new legislation would bring Scotland in line with some of Europe’s strictest measures on crowd behaviour, while Celtic, in particular, faces the pressure of preventing further sanctions that could limit their European campaigns.
