Celtic and Rangers played out one of the most thrilling cup finals between the two clubs in a generation at Hampden on Sunday.
Celtic eventually beat Rangers on penalties after 120 minutes of football produced a 3-3 draw in which neither team could find the winning goal despite sharing six between them.
Goals from Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn were not enough to secure the win so it took Maeda to score Celtic’s final penalty to ensure that the League Cup found its resting place back in the Parkhead trophy cabinet.
But whilst both teams entertained on the park, it’s what happened off it in the Hampden stands that has drawn the ire of the SPFL, the SFA and Police Scotland.
SPFL praise Celtic’s League Cup win over Rangers but with a caveat
The statement started off by praising both clubs for putting on a showpiece game of football as the SPFL congratulated Celtic on their big win over Rangers.
In a statement released on the SPFL’s official website the governing body said, “Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final was an enthralling match, filled with twists and turns. Both teams deserve huge credit for the part they played in one of the most exciting cup finals in recent memory.
“Celtic and Rangers put on a display of passionate, dramatic and end-to-end football, which showcased all that is best about our game.
“Everyone at the SPFL would like to pass on our congratulations to the players, management and directors of Celtic on their trophy win, and we also send our commiserations to everyone connected with Rangers, who helped make it such a thrilling showpiece event.
It is here where the attention now turns to the conduct of the Celtic and Rangers supporters inside Hampden
SPFL launches probe into Celtic and Rangers supporters’ use of pyro
“However, the SPFL, Police Scotland and the Scottish FA,” the statement continues, “Have been clear that the unauthorised use of pyrotechnics is illegal and unsafe. Therefore, the disruptive displays which took place before and during Sunday’s match were completely unacceptable and again led to a delay to the start of the match.
The SPFL will liaise with Police Scotland regarding their investigations into this illegal behaviour and these events will also be considered as part of the SPFL’s ongoing disciplinary investigations into both clubs regarding the use of pyrotechnics.
“The SPFL is awaiting the match delegate’s report following the game, which will also consider other matters, including the unacceptable encroachment of supporters onto the Hampden Park trackside area during and after the match.”
The issue of Celtic and Rangers supporters using pyro has never really been addressed in such a way by the games governing bodies.
UEFA have recently clamped down on Celtic on the use of the fireworks in the Champions League and it looks like the SPFL are now taking a stance.
Celtic were already being charged by the SPFL over the use of pyro in the League Cup final against Aberdeen and it looks like this latest charge will be added to that.
It looks like a fine could be heading Celtic’s way but until the investigation is completed, the club will need to sit tight and await the SPFL’s findings.
