SPFL's latest Pyrotechnic sanctions
The SPFL are working with Police Scotland and the Government to improve safety at football matches
In June 2023, new legislation came into force in Scotland, making it a criminal offence to possess fireworks and flares at events such as football matches. A working group set up by the Scottish government has since established that the law was being used infrequently. In its latest annual report, the SPFL confirmed it was committed to working with the Scottish government and the police, who are looking to reform the football banning order (FBO) legislation. As part of that reform, there is a proposal to increase the scope of FBOs which could see football fans banned from attending matches should they use pyrotechnics.
The SPFL have shown in recent seasons that they now hold a zero-tolerance approach towards the use of pyrotechnics. Several clubs have been officially sanctioned, using a sliding scale of punishments. Should a club be in breach of the SPFL rules while under a previous sanction, they then face more punitive sanctions. This is demonstrated by the fact that as Rangers and Motherwell have been sanctioned for multiple offences this season, they have received a higher number of ticket reductions.
In addition to handing out punishments to try and curb the use of pyro, the SPFL have also contributed towards the funding of education projects, designed to raise awareness amongst football fans regarding the dangers of pyrotechnics.
WHY THE CRACKDOWN?
Before the major disorder on the pitch during the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers the control and policing of alcohol at football had been “extremely light touch”. Alcohol was not sold in stadiums, but fans were generally not challenged if they brought in bags of alcohol to consume on the terraces.
