Scottish FA chief expects talks over strict liability rules and calls for ban on flares
Wednesday 13 January 2016 14:55, UK
Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan expects the idea of strict liability rules to be back on the agenda after Celtic fans were banned for setting off flares at a Scottish Cup game.
Three Celtic supporters will no longer be able to attend matches after Hampden compliance officer Tony McGlennan reviewed video footage of the incident at Stranraer's Stair Park on Sunday.
Police Scotland have also confirmed they are investigating the ignition of pyrotechnics along with outbreaks of sectarian chanting which are alleged to have taken place.
Strict liability rules, which UEFA enforce and recently charged Celtic for after flares were set off in a Europa League game, were previously discussed but thrown out by the Scottish Football Association.
But Regan said after the Scottish Cup last-16 draw on Monday: "I am sure it will be back on the agenda.
"A few years ago, we tried to introduce the concept of strict liability to our rules but it was defeated by our members and we are just about to start our rules revision process for 2016.
"If there is a willingness or appetite for change, then I would like to think we can move that agenda forward. Clubs need to think hard about whether they want such behaviour taking place in Scottish football grounds.
"Flares are life-threatening, dangerous and have no place in Scottish football, and anything we can do to stamp them out, I will be very supportive of. There is more of an appetite for more stringent rules because I think there is recognition that we just can't allow such behaviour to continue.
"Quite what that looks like and how the rules can be amended will be up to our lawyers to assist us with and our members' willingness to change, but we will be working on it in the coming weeks."
Celtic officials have become increasingly frustrated that their supporters have refused to heed warnings on the use of flares and smoke bombs, with a statement released today stating that "events have again caused embarrassment".
