Brendan Rodgers backs SPFL clampdown on flares

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes disciplinary action over the use of pyrotechnics was necessary to tackle safety concerns for fans and players after his club were charged along with Motherwell and Rangers.

The Scottish Professional Football League has issued notices of complaint over alleged breaches of rules which oblige clubs to do everything possible to stop "unacceptable conduct" and identify and take action against fans who were responsible.

The charges came following delays to the kick-offs of both Premier Sports Cup semi-finals last month after flare and smoke displays led to visibility problems which affected the functionality of the VAR system.

The start of Celtic's 6-0 win over Aberdeen was delayed by 14 minutes after Hoops fans spelled out a giant 'CFC’ with flares, while Aberdeen fans also let off red smoke bombs on a smaller scale. Both Motherwell and Rangers fans let off pyrotechnics the following day and there was a five-minute delay.

Rodgers’ reaction to the charges was that "safety is of paramount importance".

"I always worry about people that are in and around that area when they’re going off," he added. "When you’re young, sometimes you don’t see the dangers, you don’t see or think of other people. But that’s a concern for me, for supporters, especially our own supporters when they’re there.

"And then my concern is also for the players, because when you’re preparing for a game of football, it’s detailed your preparation to the second, so that you’re ready to go whenever the kick-off is ready to start.

"We were 14 minutes delayed in that semi-final. Now that can be the cause of someone getting injured, especially when it’s at this time of the year. You’re standing about, you’re waiting. So all that