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SPFL investigate Celtic games & play-off fixtures

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Motherwell v Celtic on 13 May is one of four SPFL fixtures being investigated

Published 16 minutes ago

Disciplinary investigations have been launched into Motherwell v Celtic and Celtic v Hearts in the Scottish Premiership as well two end of season lower league play-off fixtures, the SPFL has announced.

Spectators entered the pitch following late goals at Fir Park on 13 May and Celtic Park on 16 May as Celtic won their final two league fixtures of the season to retain the Premiership title.

Conduct is also being reviewed following Hamilton Academical's League 1 play-off second-leg win against Clyde at Broadwood on 15 May and Stenhousemuir's Championship play-off second leg defeat by Alloa Athletic on 16 May.

Hamilton and Stenny both won their ties on aggregate and there were spectators on the pitch following both games.

"In recent seasons, there have been a number of incidents at SPFL matches where objects have been thrown at players or members of staff, orchestrated pyrotechnic displays have taken place, and/or mass pitch incursions have occurred," the SPFL said in a statement.

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"In season 2025-26 the SPFL concluded 11 disciplinary processes against eight clubs for such incidents.

"These statistics do not include the final match days of the season and the SPFL can confirm that the [matches being investigated] are being investigated under SPFL Rules H36 and H37.

"In addition to these disciplinary processes, there is a continuing need for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of unacceptable conduct at matches, including pitch encroachments and pyrotechnic use.

"The SPFL has engaged fully in the Scottish government's consultation on football banning orders and awaits the next steps in that process."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill says allegations Hearts players were assaulted amid Saturday's pitch invasion "has not been proved".

Hearts shareholder Tony Bloom claimed on Wednesday Hearts players were assaulted by Celtic supporters as they ran on the pitch.

Police Scotland are investigating whether there was any criminality involved, and O'Neill says if proof emerges then "apologies are due".

Figure caption,

What are SPFL rules H36 and H37?

The SPFL say "Rules H36 and H37 states:

"H36 The home club in any official batch must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, H36.1 good order and security; H36.2 that policies and procedures have been adopted and are implemented to prevent incidents of unacceptable conduct; and H36.3 that any incidents of unacceptable conduct are effectively dealt with, all at its stadium on the occasion of an official match.

"H37 Each Club must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that: H37.1 its Players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a function for or connected with the club do not engage in unacceptable conduct at a stadium on the occasion of an official match; H37.2 it identifies any of its supporters who engage in unacceptable conduct at an official match; and H37.3 it takes proportionate disciplinary measures in respect of supporters so identified in terms of Rule H37.2."

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SPFL investigate Celtic games & play-off fixtures

SPFL investigate two Celtic games & two play-off fixtures - BBC Sport

SPFL investigate Celtic games & play-off fixtures

What are SPFL rules H36 and H37?

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