Celtic have issued a statement regarding the recent SPFL ticket sanction handed out.
Pyrotechnics were used by fans at the Premier Sports Cup Final vs Rangers earlier this season while they were also used by Hoops punters at the semi-final match against Aberdeen.
Celtic’s games had to be delayed by up to 14 minutes which prompted the governing body to take action as they look to clamp down on the use of illegal fireworks at the games.
Celtic were hit with a punishment yesterday, as confirmed by the SPFL where they will see 500 tickets taken away from their allocation when they next play at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup.
They also saw a further suspended punishment of 800 briefs being taken away for any Premier Sports Cup fixture down the line should there be any further issues with pyro before March 30, 2027.
- READ MORE: Michael Stewart involved in heated debate with Tom English over Celtic and Rangers pyro charge
Celtic have demanded fans stop using pyrotechnics
Celtic have now released their statement on the ticket reduction and demanded their supporters use it as a “wake up call” to avoid any further infringements.
“Celtic Football Club notes today’s SPFL judgement relating to the use of pyrotechnics at matches,” their statement read.
“Clearly, it is hugely disappointing that our wider support will be negatively affected at future SPFL League Cup matches at Hampden following the actions of a small minority.
“It is well known that we also currently face a UEFA suspended sentence as a result of the previous use of pyrotechnics, most recently at the match against Borussia Dortmund, by a small minority of supporters – something which could potentially have a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wishing to attend an away match in UEFA competition to support the team.
“The Club has been very clear that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is illegal, and presents risks to supporter safety and to the Club under the applicable regulations.
“The fact that the use of pyrotechnics by a small minority is now adversely affecting the attendance of our supporters at matches should act as a very serious wake-up call to those involved.”
How Celtic narrowly avoided similar fan ban in Champions League
It comes after Celtic narrowly avoided a Champions League away fan ban for similar actions down south.
Pyro had cost the club a fine away at Borussia Dortmund but that came also with a suspended ban sentence.
So when a fan threw pyro onto the pitch away at Aston Villa, it left the club and the rest of the support waiting anxiously to discover whether or not they would be permitted to attend Bayern Munich away.
As it happened, UEFA opted only to fine Celtic further which meant fans could travel to the Allianz Arena to see the now iconic, infamous 1-1 draw with Bayern on a difficult yet enthralling evening.
Surely – hopefully – punters can heed the club’s pleas to stop with the pyro to save any further sanctions down the line.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
