Aberdeen, Celtic and Partick Thistle have all been sanctioned by the SPFL after being found in breach of league rules following incidents involving fan behaviour during matches in May.
The disciplinary outcomes, confirmed today, relate to illegal pyrotechnic displays and, in Partick Thistle’s case, a large-scale pitch invasion.
The three incidents occurred during the final weeks of the 2024/25 season, at Aberdeen v Celtic, Celtic v St Mirren, and Ayr United v Partick Thistle.
Each club was found to have failed to ensure, “as far as reasonably practicable,” that supporters did not engage in what the SPFL defines as “unacceptable conduct.”
They were also found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary action against those responsible.
The most serious disruption took place during Aberdeen’s home fixture against Celtic on 14 May.
Broadcast live on Sky Sports, the match was interrupted due to dense smoke caused by pyrotechnics in the stands, prompting the broadcaster to issue a public apology.
Just three days later, Celtic fans lit flares in the north-east corner of Celtic Park during the club’s final league match of the season against St Mirren.
And on 9 May, during a playoff tie at Somerset Park, Partick Thistle fans not only used pyrotechnics but also threw them onto the pitch, leading to a two-minute delay.
Later in the same match, a mass pitch invasion caused another delay, again impacting players, officials and fans.
All incidents were described by the SPFL as health and safety risks, as well as disruptive to thousands of fans both in the stadiums and watching at home.
Each club has received a suspended sanction, triggered only if similar incidents occur before 30 June 2026.
Aberdeen were found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 and were handed a suspended 200-seat ticket reduction for one future match at Pittodrie in the affected area.
Celtic were also found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 and received an identical suspended sanction for one future match at Celtic Park.
Partick Thistle, having breached SPFL Rule H37 in two separate incidents during their playoff match, were issued a suspended stadium closure for one future game at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill.
The suspended closures will apply to the area or stand from which future incidents occur.
The SPFL reiterated the importance of clubs taking all reasonable steps to control supporter behaviour and confirmed that these sanctions reflect the need to prioritise safety and integrity within the game.
