Celtic have been handed a notice of complaint by the SPFL for an unknown incident occurring at the end of the 2024/25 season.
The Hoops were punished by the league governing body in March for breaching rules relating to the use of pyrotechnic devices.
Celtic fans used pyro before kick-off of their Premier Sports Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen in November and the final triumph against Rangers in December.
The smoke spread across the Hampden pitch and delayed the match starting by several minutes, and that landed an SPFL punishment.
Celtic will have a reduction of 500 tickets for the next Premier Sports Cup match to be played at Hampden Park, which will be increased to 800 if the rule is broken again before 2027.
Now however, the Hoops have been hit with a fresh notice of complaint.
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Celtic hit with SPFL notice of complaint for unknown incident
The SPFL released a statement on Friday morning which addressed some of the ‘unacceptable conduct’ seen across Scottish football last season.
The statement started brightly as fans were praised for breaking the overall attendance figure for the third campaign running.
But then the SPFL moved on to the ‘completely unacceptable’ acts committed by some supporters that have left them ‘extremely disappointed’.
Celtic have been hit with a notice of complaint. However, the alleged offence has not been explained.
The second half of the SPFL’s statement reads: “While the vast and overwhelming majority of supporters are an undoubted force for good in our game, it’s been extremely disappointing to see a small number persisting with dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Whether that’s flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, throwing missiles, or pitch invasions, these actions put staff, supporters and players at risk and are completely unacceptable.
“For example, the incident which saw Aberdeen player Jack Mackenzie left injured at Tannadice Park after a chair was thrown onto the pitch, simply beggars belief. It goes without saying that players, staff and fellow supporters should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles.
“The swift cooperation between clubs, supporters and Police Scotland helped identify the alleged perpetrator, who has since appeared in court. This is a model of how our system should work. In another recent incident, Livingston quickly issued a lifetime ban to an individual who allegedly spat at a member of the Ross County coaching team, and we commend the club’s prompt and decisive action.
“As well as club bans, unwelcome incidents such as these have unfortunately made it abundantly clear that there is a need for far more widespread use of football banning orders (FBOs) and we are encouraged by the progress being made in partnership with our clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.
“We have been discussing broadening the scope of these orders as part of the Scottish Government’s FBO working group and we’re extremely pleased to see this was covered in the Programme for Government in May. These recent incidents reinforce the need for such sanctions to protect the match-day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans.
“During the 2024/25 season the SPFL took disciplinary action against a number of clubs and notices of complaints have now been raised against three clubs in respects of incidents which occurred at the end of the season – Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic.
“The SPFL will undertake a number of discussions with supporter groups to better understand their views and explore the challenges involved. We’re committed to open and constructive engagement as we work together to ensure a safe, enjoyable and inclusive match day experience for all fans.
“We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025/26. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for players and supporters – they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less.”
No direct mention of Rangers missiles during Glasgow derby
Celtic have been named in the SPFL’s statement, yet Rangers have avoided any involvement.
That’s despite the shocking scenes during the previous Glasgow derby clash at Ibrox when Celtic secured a 1-1 draw.
Celtic goalkeeper that day Viljami Sinisalo was targeted by a number of missiles thrown from the stands, and claimed he was hit on his leg by an object.
Sinisalo said after the game: “I see some mention that there was a bottle thrown at me. It wasn’t just a bottle by the way.
“First of all, I was hit with something, not in my upper body just somewhere in my lower leg. It wasn’t just a bottle, it was lighters, vapes, coins, mugs, all sorts flying.
“When you think of it, let’s say that glass bottle on the pitch hits me or someone else, what happens then? What if it hits you in the eye and you can’t play football after that? That’s the question that we need answers for.”
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