Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell charged by SPFL over 'totally unacceptable' incidents

All three clubs were found to be in breach of SPFL rules after their fans let off pyrotechnic displays before the Celtic v Aberdeen and Motherwell v Rangers clashes at Hampden.

Both matches were subject to kick-off delays due to poor visibility caused by smoke and the clubs will now face a disciplinary hearing after being issued with notices of complaint in an unprecedented move by the governing body.

An SPFL statement read: "The SPFL can today confirm Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers have been charged with a breach of SPFL rules following the behaviour of their supporters at the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.

"It was fantastic to have over 80,000 supporters attend last month’s semi-finals, however, the large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnics displays which were carried out by a small minority of supporters before the Celtic v Aberdeen and Motherwell v Rangers matches were totally unacceptable.

"This irresponsible behaviour by a minority of fans led to a 14 minute delay to Celtic v Aberdeen, a 5 minute delay to Motherwell v Rangers and caused significant inconvenience to thousands of fans at the game and to supporters watching worldwide.

"The SPFL, Scottish FA, Police Scotland and other organisations have been clear that such use of pyrotechnics is illegal and poses clear dangers and health and safety risks to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches.

"There have been a number of complaints from supporters about these incidents and the SPFL and Scottish FA have been in ongoing discussions with the clubs involved in the weeks since the semi-finals.

"The SPFL can now confirm that Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers have all been issued with formal notices of complaint under SPFL Rule H34 and each club will face a disciplinary hearing.”

The SPFL is also now closely monitoring the build-up to the Premier Sports Cup final between Celtic and Rangers on Sunday, December 15 in a bid to avoid any repeat incidents.

The statement added: "Preparations are ongoing ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park next week, as the SPFL prepares to welcome a capacity crowd for one of the highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar.

"The SPFL and Scottish FA will continue to work closely with the finalists in the build up to this showpiece occasion to reinforce the importance of ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for all supporters, in the context of what is now an ongoing disciplinary process."