New SPFL plan set after Rangers madness after anxious talks
Anxious SPFL bosses have hatched a new plan to stop pyro “madness” after a display from Rangers supporters against Dundee, according to Keith Jackson.
The Daily Record journalist reported on Tuesday (21 November) that the Scottish football bosses have drawn up a plan to rid football of pyrotechnics as fears for the safety of both players and supporters continue to grow.
Crisis talks between the government, Police Scotland, the SFA, SPFL and Football Safety Officers met at a summit and a coordinated action plan will now be prepared between Holyrood, Hampden and police chiefs to end the pyro trend among supporters.
These talks had already been scheduled before Rangers’ clash with Dundee which saw the match suspended because of a “wall-of-fire” display from Light Blues supporters in the away end at Dens Park.
Good for the game
Ultimately, whether or not you believe the pyrotechnic displays on matchdays are a good or a bad thing, this move from the SPFL bosses is clearly a step in the right direction as those in charge of Scottish football are making steps in the right direction.
While the display against Dundee looked exceptional, it was not safe for either players or supporters and should it happen again it is not fair to the average supporter who is not involved in those sorts of displays to see games delayed or even abandoned because of it.
In footballing terms, much was made of the impact the displays could have on players playing in matches, with games being suspended after only a matter of minutes and then starting again after a break, it can affect a player’s mentality and even impact their chance of getting injured in the match.
As long as the anxious SPFL boss’ new plans don’t impact the matchday experience of the average supporter too heavily, this will be a huge step in the right direction for Scottish football. But we have to wait and see just what the coordinated action plan consists of.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has tipped one star to sign a new deal at Ibrox amid Premier League interest