Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers and Celtic pyro disciplinary takes new Safety Officer twist

Football Safety Officers' Association Scotland representatives have offered to assist with the SPFL disciplinary hearings involving Celtic and Rangers.

Both clubs face punishment from the league body after the delay to the Premier Sports Cup final caused by pyro used in both sections of the crowd at Hampden Park.

Proceedings involving both clubs had begun after pyro incidents at the semi-final. Now, both clubs will face further charges as a result of the pyro at the cup final on Sunday.

Now, the Football Safety Officers' Association Scotland (FSOAS) have vowed to assist at any hearings if required with members having been in attendance at the Premier Sports Cup final.

A statement from the group offered assistance to the SPFL, while also condemning the "selfish minority of supporters" who ignored warnings against the use of pyro at Hampden.

However, it added that it would be "inappropriate to prejudge any disciplinary hearing" even if the experience of fans was "negatively impacted".


Read more: 


The statement read: "It is extremely regrettable that clear advice from the SPFL and other stakeholders prior to the Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday was ignored by a selfish minority of supporters in the stadium.

"The Football Safety Officers’ Association Scotland fully supports the SPFL in taking action on a matter that is becoming a bigger issue at football matches across Europe.

"The members of The Football Safety Officers’ Association Scotland in attendance at the match will assist in any of the hearings if required.

"While it would be inappropriate to prejudge any disciplinary hearing, it is clear that the actions of this small number of supporters negatively impacted the experience of fans watching what was a great football match in the stadium and at home.

"The use of pyrotechnics at football stadia is not only illegal but also unsafe. They can cause severe injury as well as impacting on supporters with existing health conditions.

"The Football Safety Officers’ Association will continue to work closely with the SFA, the SPFL, Police Scotland, Safety Advisory Groups and the Scottish Government to tackle this unacceptable, unsafe action within Scottish football."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.