Celtic fan group Bhoys Celtic have announced they will boycott next month’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final derby against Rangers.
The supporters’ organisation criticised the SPFL after Celtic’s ticket allocation for the match was reduced by 500, a sanction imposed due to the club’s previous breaches of pyrotechnic regulations. The governing body punished Celtic following incidents involving the use of pyrotechnics during last season’s semi-final against Aberdeen and the final against Rangers.
Bhoys Celtic described the decision as “another draconian, anti-supporter measure” that they believe sets a “dangerous precedent” for Scottish football. The group insists that the issue of pyrotechnics can only be properly addressed through “open dialogue with supporters” rather than collective punishment.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the group said:
“Last year, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) introduced yet another short-sighted, anti-fan initiative in its ongoing, and so far unsuccessful, attempt to curb the use of pyrotechnics in football stadiums across Scotland.
This so-called disciplinary process involves cutting clubs’ ticket allocations without any clear logic or explanation as to which matches are affected.
It’s now been confirmed that for the League Cup semi-final against Rangers on November 2, both clubs will have their allocations reduced by 500 tickets as ‘punishment’ for the use of pyrotechnics in various Premiership and League Cup fixtures.
While opinions differ on pyrotechnics, punishing hundreds of innocent supporters for the actions of a few is another draconian, anti-football-fan move that damages the Scottish game and sets a precedent we refuse to accept.
As a result, we will not be attending the semi-final, even though our specific tickets have not been affected. We refuse to carry on as if nothing has happened while both sets of supporters are unfairly targeted.”
The statement went on to criticise football authorities for fostering division among supporters instead of working collaboratively to find solutions:
“Rather than engaging with fans, the authorities have chosen to introduce punishments that pit supporters against each other. We believe such sanctions will never provide a long-term answer. Positive engagement and open dialogue are the only ways forward.”
Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers previously shared his view on the issue back in March, saying he understands the passion pyrotechnics bring but emphasised the importance of safety:
“Our supporters are incredible — the colour, the noise, the atmosphere they create is special. I know pyrotechnics are accepted in some countries, but here in the UK, they’re generally viewed as dangerous. If there’s any risk to health or safety, then I think there are other ways to create that same atmosphere safely.”
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