SPFL condemns use of pyrotechnics by Rangers fans

'Rangers fans' pyro was a wee bit over the top'

The SPFL says it will liaise with Police Scotland over the "very concerning and unwelcome" use of pyrotechnics by Rangers fans.

Wednesday night's match against Dundee had to be paused for 18 minutes shortly after kick-off as away fans let off flares in the stands of Dens Park.

The stadium was engulfed in smoke, setting off a fire alarm and forcing the players off the pitch.

The game resumed when the smoke cleared, with Rangers winning 5-0.

Kick-off in the Scottish Premiership fixture had already been delayed by 15 minutes after the Rangers team got stuck in traffic on their way to Dundee, with the game - which had been due to kick-off at 19:45 - eventually finishing at about 22:40.

A spokesperson for the SPFL said: "The extensive use of pyrotechnics at the match at Dens Park is very concerning and unwelcome.

"The disruption to the game is obviously extremely regrettable. We await the delegate report and will be liaising with Police Scotland on the incident."

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Ranger Captain James Tavernier tackles Dundee's Owen Beck in front of the pyrotechnic display before the game was halted

Police Scotland said no arrests were made at last night's game but added they are working with both clubs to identify those responsible.

Supt Iain Wales said: "Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.

"It is tremendously disappointing and worrying that despite repeated warning about the risk, these are still brought to matches.

"Luckily there were no reports of any injuries, however the consequences could have been much worse. It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured."

Questions have been asked about how fans were able to get so many flares into the stadium.

A spokesperson for Dundee Football Club told BBC Scotland News: "Despite robust practice by all clubs in the SPFL flares, banners and singing of sectarian songs continue to be a problem all across our game.

"As we are working with the authorities we are unable to comment on the situation at this time."

Rangers have been approached for comment.

Announcing the legislation, Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said it was a "dangerous" problem which was "escalating".

It came after last year's Scottish Cup final was delayed after both Celtic and Rangers fans let off flares at Hampden Stadium.

Last year, Rangers were fined £30,480 by Uefa after supporters let off flares during their Europa League quarter final match against Sporting Braga.

Celtic were also hit with a £20,000 fine from European football's governing body in September after fans lit fireworks before their match against Feyenoord.

Image source, SNS Group

Questions have been asked about why so many fans were able to take flares into the stadium