Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called for an end to the use of pyrotechnics by supporters, citing serious safety concerns for players and fans.

Brendan Rodgers Celtic
4th December 2024; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the win

His comments come after the SPFL charged Celtic for incidents involving fireworks during last month’s Premier Sports Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park.

Rodgers made his stance clear in a press conference for future matches.

Rodgers pointed to the 14-minute delay caused by pyrotechnics before Celtic’s semi-final as a significant concern. The disruption, he explained, interferes with players’ physical preparation and increases the risk of injuries—particularly in cold weather:

“Safety is of paramount importance,” said Rodgers to RecordSport. “Firstly, for the people in the stands. I always worry about people who are in and around that area when they are going off.

“When you’re young, sometimes you don’t see the dangers. You don’t see or think of other people. But that’s a concern for me, especially for our own supporters.

“Then my concern is also for the players. Because when you are preparing for a game of football, it is detailed to the second so you are ready to go whenever the kick-off is due to start. We were 14 minutes delayed in that semi-final. Now, that can be the cause of someone getting injured, especially at this time of year.

“You prepare, your details are there, you go to start the game and then you can’t. You are standing about waiting, so all that preparation you put in – the body’s cold again. Then the muscles are at risk.

“So these are things you would maybe never think about when you are holding the flare or sticking something up in the air. But I just think the safety of supporters and players is of paramount importance. It’s not just Celtic, the message is for every club.

“I’m not surprised (by the SPFL charge), I just think it’s something which should be done. I don’t see what it adds to the game. So it’s right that they look into it and try to stop it. Across the board, the league then have the option to create a sanction that ensures it hopefully doesn’t happen.”

The SPFL’s action against Celtic, Rangers, and Motherwell reflects a broader crackdown on pyrotechnics across Scottish football. Ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final, the league has made it clear that further incidents could lead to increased sanctions.

Meanwhile, UEFA has already taken a hardline stance. Celtic were fined £16,700 in October after fireworks were used during a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund. The club also faces a suspended one-match ban on away fans, which could be enforced if further pyrotechnic incidents occur within the next two years.

The issue of pyrotechnics extends beyond Scotland. Across Europe, governing bodies and clubs have faced challenges in curbing their use. While some fans argue that flares and fireworks enhance the atmosphere, the risks to safety and the potential for significant disruption have led to increasing scrutiny.

The timing of the SPFL’s charges is a clear warning to supporters ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final next Sunday at Hampden Park. With Celtic and Rangers tied on 118 major trophies each, the match carries added significance, and fan behaviour will be closely monitored.

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