Rangers have been penalized by the Scottish FA for using large-scale pyrotechnics in their Premier Sports Cup matches at Hampden Park at the end of last year.
On Wednesday (5 March), it was reported that the Gers had received a suspended fine of 800 tickets for future Premier Sports Cup fixtures at Hampden as a result of the pyrotechnic display against Motherwell in November.
In addition, due to the similar type of occurrence against Celtic in the December final, they have immediately reduced the number of tickets for their upcoming League Cup game at the national stadium by 500.
Celtic received the same sentence as Rangers, while Motherwell was given the same suspended sanction.
Rangers will be impacted financially by ticket reductions.
Keith Hackett believes the SFA has taken a hardline approach on the issues involving Rangers, Celtic, and Motherwell at Hampden Park earlier this season.
The former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee has applauded their decision, believing it will teach both fans and clubs how to behave more responsibly in the future.
“It is obvious from the decision by the Scottish FA disciplinary panel that they take their role very seriously,” Hackett informed Ibrox News.
“They have taken serious action to make it known that they will not permit the usage of pyrotechnics in their stadiums.
“The Scottish FA disciplinary panel, by reducing the number of tickets, will punish the fans who will not be able to attend the game and the club, who will miss out on revenue from ticket sales.”
Rangers have to clamp down.
It’s difficult to see what else the Light Blues can do other than constantly admonish their fans against utilizing pyrotechnics at matches.
One thing they can do is start identifying individuals and issuing their own bans at Ibrox.
While they provide amazing spectacles, pyrotechnics are increasingly being used to delay matches, which broadcasters will not tolerate.
