Celtic and Inverness set for pyro crackdown as Scottish Government give cops increased powers for Scottish Cup final

The Scottish Government are set to crack down on pyro in time for the Scottish Cup Final after colourful displays during the semi-finals over weekend.

Smoke bombs and pyrotechnics were seen in both Falkirk vs Inverness and Celtic vs Rangers, most prominently the latter where flares, smoke canisters and strobes were set off by both sets of fans ahead of kick-off. And a government spokesperson says the new Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, which comes into effect in June, will provide cops with extra powers for the final showpiece between Inverness and Celtic on June 3.

A statement said: “No one should be put at risk of harm from the misuse of pyrotechnic articles. It is already a criminal offence to take, or attempt to take, pyrotechnics, including fireworks, into football stadiums and the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 will provide Police Scotland with further measures to deter and prevent their use from June 2023.

“We welcome the stance that football authorities, clubs, many fans and fan groups, as well as front-line services, have taken to pyrotechnic misuse, speaking out against it and working together on joint messaging and awareness-raising.”

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