SPFL Reduces Away Ticket Allocations for Clubs Due to Pyrotechnic Violations
Rangers and Motherwell fans will see their away ticket allocations reduced by 50 for an upcoming match due to repeated violations of Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) regulations concerning pyrotechnics. The penalty could potentially double if further breaches occur.
Aberdeen and Hibernian have also received suspended penalties as a result of similar infractions.
All four clubs in the Scottish Premiership were found to have failed in their responsibility to prevent their supporters from engaging in "unacceptable conduct." Additionally, they did not adequately identify or impose disciplinary measures on those responsible for the pyrotechnic incidents.
Rangers and Motherwell had previously been issued suspended sanctions, which are now being enforced. The penalties will affect Rangers' match against Hibernian on February 1 and Motherwell's game against Dundee on February 4. Both clubs are required to cover the cost of the 50 missing tickets to the respective home teams.
The SPFL reviewed five recent top-flight matches that involved "large-scale, organized, and illegal pyrotechnic displays" from traveling fans:
Motherwell vs. Hibernian - November 25
Falkirk vs. Motherwell - December 3
Dundee vs. Aberdeen - December 6
Kilmarnock vs. Rangers - December 6
Rangers vs. Motherwell - December 27
The SPFL's disciplinary findings revealed that Motherwell supporters activated approximately 20 pyrotechnic devices during each incident. Notably, a child sustained injuries from the pyrotechnics used during Rangers' display at Rugby Park, while Hibernian fans threw devices at players and staff at Fir Park.
Moreover, actions by some Aberdeen fans resulted in damage to the Dens Park pitch, leading to a burn injury for one child and respiratory issues for another individual.
These incidents posed significant health and safety risks to fellow supporters, players, and match personnel, as well as causing considerable inconvenience to thousands of fans attending the games and watching from home.
The report indicates that Rangers and Motherwell now face a potential reduction of 100 away tickets for future matches if further violations occur. Similarly, the 50-ticket penalty will also apply to Hibernian and Aberdeen under the same conditions, which will remain in effect until June 2026.
In response to these developments, both Rangers and Aberdeen have issued statements urging their supporters to refrain from such behavior.