Aberdeen fans launch flares ahead of Hibs Viaplay Cup clash as Hampden punters defy SFA and SPFL plea

Flares were launched in the Aberdeen end at Hampden despite the SPFL and SFA plea with fans NOT to bring fireworks into the national stadium.

Flares and fireworks have been a hot topic in Scottish football since Rangers' trip to Dens Park where the action had to be paused after multiple pyrotechnics were thrown onto the pitch. That prompted statements from Rangers and Dundee while Record Sport revealed fears from Police Scotland that it could be repeated at Hampden this weekend - with Hibs facing Aberdeen on Saturday and Rangers taking on Hearts on Sunday.

The first of the two Viaplay Cup semi-finals hadn't even kicked off when red flares became visible in the Aberdeen end at the national stadium. That's despite a plea from governing bodies to fans not to bring pyrotechnics into the national stadium. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club's latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.