Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers are facing potential fines from the Scottish Professional Football League after the extensive “irresponsible” and “unacceptable” use of pyrotechnics by their supporters during last month’s Premier Sports Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park.

The clubs have been issued with notices of complaint by the league and will be called before an independent panel at a hearing early next year.

Celtic’s match with Aberdeen was delayed by 14 minutes after fans from the Glasgow club’s end set off fireworks and flares.

The following day’s game between Rangers and Motherwell was also delayed by five minutes after both sets of fans set off pyrotechnics.

A specific law banning the use of pyrotechnics inside stadia in Scotland was introduced in 2023.

The SPFL says that, although “it was fantastic to have over 80,000 supporters attend” the League Cup semi-finals, “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”.

The governing body said “this irresponsible behaviour… 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,” it said in a statement.

“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.”

Celtic are due to face Rangers in the League Cup final at the national stadium on 15 December, when a capacity crowd is expected.

“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,” the SPFL adds.