Ex-FIFA referee drops Aberdeen points deduction claim after punishment vs Rangers
That is the view of ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett, who believes that it is not a huge deterrent to stop supporters.
The Dons have been sanctioned for the semi-final clash at Hampden Park by having 500 tickets taken away from them.
The Scottish FA have acted after fans used pyrotechnics and invaded the pitch at Rugby Park after the win over Kilmarnock earlier this month.
Derek McInnes' side beat arch-rivals Celtic 3-0 with two goals from Dan Neil and one from Kevin Kelsy to set up the encounter with Stephen Robinson's side.
They now have a slight advantage in the stands, after the punishment handed out to the North East outfit, which Hackett feels should have been harsher.
What did Keith Hackett say about Aberdeen punishment for Rangers clash?
The former chief of the PGMOL in England has mooted the idea that the SFA should implement harsher penalties to discourage fans from the actions that has seen the Dons sanctioned.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “There is no doubt that the behaviour of a minority of Scottish Football Fans is creating a dilemma for the Scottish Football Association.
“They are likely to be consulting with the Police, Government and fan groups.
“It is those fans that go to grounds and do not cause any problem that suffer.
“Where trouble is focused in certain areas of the Stadium then certainly close down that section.
“Consider the cost implication of reducing the allocation by 500 tickets, the cost frankly to the clubs revenue is not that big.
“Perhaps a radical punishment might be a suspended points deduction.”
Why Rangers would also be affected if harsher punishments become reality
Rangers have dealt with several punishments for supporter behaviour in the past
The club released a statement in September 2025 and referenced multiple incidents, including a £17,300 fine, and a suspended sale of away tickets from UEFA after the Club Brugge game.
It also mentioned a smoke bomb at Hampden Park in the 2024-25 season which resulted in a cut of 500 tickets to the allocation for the League Cup semi-final and a discriminatory banner held up against Fenerbahce which led to a suspended closure of the Copland stand.
They were also sanctioned earlier this year in January as 50 tickets were taken away for the trip to Hibernian on 2 February after pyrotechnics were used by fans in Kilmarnock at December 2025.
The Gers constantly include a message like the following in their pre-match information releases on their official website.
It says: "Unacceptable conduct, including discriminatory or offensive singing or chanting, pyrotechnics, throwing objects, violence, and entering the trackside area or pitch, can have serious consequences for individuals and the club. We ask all supporters to back the team passionately and responsibly."
If harsher punishments like Hackett has suggested are handed out in future, then the Light Blues will be affected too.