Philippe Clement has reacted after Rangers were sanctioned for the use of pyrotechnics within their support.
Gers have been hit with an SPFL charge for the pyro display at the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell, with the Steelmen also hit along with Celtic for their own semi-final display against Aberdeen.
Punishment is likely to come in the form of a fine and it won’t be the first time the club is hit in the pocket.
Clement previously asked the fans to follow the rules on pyro after UEFA fined Rangers for displays at Europa League matches against Malmo and Lyon.
The club had also put out a strongly-worded statement with acting chair John Gilligan taking aim at a section of the support.
Clement in fresh Rangers pyro warning
Philippe Clement has once again issued a warning to Rangers fans over their use of pyro.
The manager insists the first point is that it is not safe but he also points out that it continually hits the club in the pocket which can only be a bad thing and potentially hinder attempts to hinder the squad.
Clement said: “First, it’s not safe. Secondly, it costs the club money and we want to use that money in a better way so we can do the right things with the squad.
“This is so the squad becomes better and the fans can be more happy with the squad.
“So, again, a clear message that it doesn’t help in any sense towards the team in that way.
“I understand that people want to make a good atmosphere and maybe use those things, but the best thing they can use is their voice and sing to support the players.
“In that way, I’ve been really happy in Scottish football with the atmosphere in the stadiums and that’s much more important.
“I can only say what I’ve said the last couple of times. I think it’s really clear for everybody with good intentions for the club.”
SPFL statement on Rangers pyro charge
A statement from the SPFL read: “The SPFL can today confirm Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers have been charged with a breach of SPFL rules following the behaviour of their supporters at the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
“It was fantastic to have over 80,000 supporters attend last month’s semi-finals, however, the large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnics displays which were carried out by a small minority of supporters before the Celtic v Aberdeen and Motherwell v Rangers matches were totally unacceptable.
“This irresponsible behaviour by a minority of fans led to a 14 minute delay to Celtic v Aberdeen, a 5 minute delay to Motherwell v Rangers and caused significant inconvenience to thousands of fans at the game and to supporters watching worldwide.
“The SPFL, Scottish FA, Police Scotland and other organisations have been clearthat such use of pyrotechnics is illegal and poses clear dangers and health and safety risks to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches.
“There have been a number of complaints from supporters about these incidents and the SPFL and Scottish FA have been in ongoing discussions with the clubs involved in the weeks since the semi-finals.
“The SPFL can now confirm that Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers have all been issued with formal notices of complaint under SPFL Rule H34 and each club will face a disciplinary hearing.
“Preparations are ongoing ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park next week, as the SPFL prepares to welcome a capacity crowd for one of the highlights of the Scottish sporting calendar.
“The SPFL and Scottish FA will continue to work closely with the finalists in the build up to this showpiece occasion to reinforce the importance of ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for all supporters, in the context of what is now an ongoing disciplinary process.”
