Brendan Rodgers would rather be fielding questions purely about his Celtic side and matters on the park at press conferences.
But the Celtic manager has been forced once again to give his take on an off-pitch matter that continues to rear its head time after time.
It’s the issue of pyrotechnics at football stadia in Scotland – which was made illegal in 2023 – and Celtic have been punished for it by the SPFL this week.
The league’s governing body sanctioned the Hoops for using pyro at both the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and final against Aberdeen and Rangers respectively.
Celtic will see 500 less fans at Hampden Park the next time they play a Premier Sports Cup clash there, with the potential for it to be 800 if the same rule is broken again before March 2027.
They have already been in trouble this season with regards to pyro with UEFA punishing Celtic after the Aston Villa clash in the Champions League.
Rodgers addresses Celtic’s recent SPFL pyro punishment
Rodgers made a plea to supporters in October that Celtic fans don’t need pyro to display their support for the team and the club.
And he’s made a similar statement at his press conference this week ahead of Celtic facing Hibs in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
Rodgers was initially asked for his take on 500 tickets being docked from Celtic on their next Premier Sports Cup visit to the national stadium.
The Bhoys boss replied: “It’s with the club, the club have made the statement on it.
“I always want, obviously, our support base to have as many supporters as they can be there, with noise, with colour, with everything, and that makes our support absolutely brilliant.
“So, yes, I’ve seen that, but I know the club are dealing with that.”
Rodgers, later in the presser, was dealt another pyro poser and was quizzed on whether he thinks the message to fans will finally get through after the SPFL’s recent ban.
Quite frankly, he hopes so and once again explained that Celtic fans can ditch the pyro while still being able to express their love and enthusiasm for the team inside grounds.
Rodgers continued: “Well hopefully, I think as I said, I have to say the group within our support base, they give us an amazing support. Like I said, the colour, everything that they bring is so good.
“I think it is something I have to say, I’m not going to be closed on my thinking on it either, because I know it is in other countries where it is accepted, and there is engagement there with supporters to have it.
“But I think normally over here in the UK we deem it as more dangerous than being a part of the colour of the games.
“I just think if it has a possibility to affect people’s health, and put them in any danger, then I just think there are other things we can do that can still create an amazing atmosphere.
“I’ve seen it so many times, what we can do without the pyro. But like I said, I, like the other people and many other people within the clubs, we just hope that we can have games that are safe, and that supporters can come and really support the team.”
How did Celtic respond to SPFL pyro judgement?
Celtic issued a strong statement to supporters in midweek following the SPFL’s decision to sanction the Parkhead giants.
The club accepted the punishment and wants it to act as a “very serious wake-up call” to the supporters involved in using pyrotechnic devices at games.
The statement read: “Celtic Football Club notes today’s SPFL judgement relating to the use of pyrotechnics at matches.
“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.”
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