Motherwell in breach of SPFL rules on unacceptable conduct

Motherwell have been found to have breached Scottish Professional Football League rules on unacceptable conduct by an SPFL commission.

The Premiership club were charged by the SPFL board with a number of breaches of the rules following the second leg of last season's play-off final against Rangers at Fir Park on May 31.

Motherwell won the game 3-0 to complete a 6-1 aggregate victory and retain their place in the top flight.  

However, the match was marred by a mass brawl which resulted in fans invading the pitch, with home fans also celebrating in front of the Rangers supporters after the final whistle before being cleared by stewards and police. A flare was also thrown from the main stand.

The independent commission found that Motherwell had failed to discharge the requirements of SPFL rules H33 and H34 - related to the maintaining of good order and security - and to have as a consequence breached and failed to comply with the rules regarding unacceptable conduct.

The commission decided to defer a final decision on a sanction for the club for 18 months and they have been directed to make, and report on, a series of changes and actions at Fir Park in the meantime, including identifying and acting against fans who invaded the pitch after the game, in order to prevent similar breaches of the rules in future.