SPFL Disciplinary Investigations

[gnasher75]

 

https://spfl.co.uk/news/multiple-disciplinary-investigations-announced

[Deso1972]

Look forward to Hearts receiving our fine for inciting Celtic fans to rush the pitch... absolute tossers.

[gnasher75]

 

Friday 22nd May 2026

 

Multiple disciplinary investigations announced

The SPFL is looking at incidents in five matches

The Scottish Professional Football League has today opened several disciplinary investigations following incidents at recent SPFL matches, including this month’s title-deciding matches between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian and Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hamilton Academical.

Season 2025/26 was a season like no other with record-breaking attendances, drama to the final day in every division, and a level of international interest in Scottish football not seen before in the SPFL era.  The vast majority of supporters that attended SPFL matches did so with the passion and loyalty that makes Scottish football unique and were a credit to their clubs and the wider game.  The SPFL has the highest attendances per capita of any league in Europe and the match-day experience is critical for the continued success of Scottish football.  It is therefore essential that all supporters, players, and those working at matches, feel safe when attending.

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.  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 following matches are being investigated under SPFL Rules H36 and H37:

• Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Hamilton Academical – Saturday 2 May 2026
• Motherwell v Celtic – Wednesday 13 May 2026
• Hamilton Academical v Clyde – Friday 15 May 2026
• Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Saturday 16 May 2026
• Stenhousemuir v Alloa Athletic – Saturday 16 May 2026

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.

 

[The Maroon Jacket]

Sweep sweep 

[Kalamazoo Jambo]

Here are the rules they refer to…

 

[Fxxx the SPFL]

What a croc of pish 

[Erik]

Why isn’t Kilmarnock vs Celtic on the list?

 

Total waste of time. Celtic will say they took reasonable measures and did all they could etc etc etc

 

sweep sweep sweep etc etc etc

[gnasher75]

1 minute ago, Kalamazoo Jambo said:

Here are the rules they refer to…

 

 

Is Unacceptable Conduct defined?

 

[Jamboross]

Rules H36 and H37 that the investigation are based on.

[HMFC01]

Hmm, what about Kilmarnock v Celtic.   I do believe their players entered an away stand.   Caused a pitch invasion.   

 

Possibly another game at Dundee, can't remember, might be wrong.  They caused another pitch invasion.

[pettigrewsstylist]

2 minutes ago, gnasher75 said:

 

Friday 22nd May 2026

 

Multiple disciplinary investigations announced

The SPFL is looking at incidents in five matches

The Scottish Professional Football League has today opened several disciplinary investigations following incidents at recent SPFL matches, including this month’s title-deciding matches between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian and Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hamilton Academical.

Season 2025/26 was a season like no other with record-breaking attendances, drama to the final day in every division, and a level of international interest in Scottish football not seen before in the SPFL era.  The vast majority of supporters that attended SPFL matches did so with the passion and loyalty that makes Scottish football unique and were a credit to their clubs and the wider game.  The SPFL has the highest attendances per capita of any league in Europe and the match-day experience is critical for the continued success of Scottish football.  It is therefore essential that all supporters, players, and those working at matches, feel safe when attending.

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.  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 following matches are being investigated under SPFL Rules H36 and H37:

• Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Hamilton Academical – Saturday 2 May 2026
• Motherwell v Celtic – Wednesday 13 May 2026
• Hamilton Academical v Clyde – Friday 15 May 2026
• Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Saturday 16 May 2026
• Stenhousemuir v Alloa Athletic – Saturday 16 May 2026

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.

 

"and a level of international interest in Scottish football not seen before in the SPFL era.  "

 

They have killed that interest off quickly. Interest has become ridicule. They wont be back, they now know the outcome. You only fools neutrals once. Tinpot and insular as f****

[Mikey1874]

Disciplinary action against the referees for Motherwell v Hearts and Motherwell v Celtic surely.

[upgotheheads]

Just now, Deso1972 said:

Look forward to Hearts receiving our fine for inciting Celtic fans to rush the pitch... absolute tossers.

 

We were completely to blame for all that. If we hadn't let Celtic score the third by sending our goalie up the park, then the Celtic fans wouldn't have invaded until the final whistle had actually blown. Also, the Motherwell Celtic game on Wednesday was only controversial because we put Beaton and Dallas under undue pressure by forcing them to intervene to win the League for Celtic. If we hadn't done that, then Beaton wouldn't have had to spend the following day indoors. I'm expecting a big fine, and a ten-point penalty at the start of next season, at least.

[Fire_At_The_Disco]

Trying to pacify us and make us go away with crumbs of shite. 

[Victorian]

Ah yes.   The placing of certain instances alongside a few token others.   We've seen that before.

[upgotheheads]

It's all too little and too late.

[Kalamazoo Jambo]

4 minutes ago, gnasher75 said:

 

Is Unacceptable Conduct defined?

 

Yes…

 

 

 

Link here,,,

 

https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/January 2026/MASTER - Rules and Regulations (CLEAN - 15 January 2026).pdf

[pettigrewsstylist]

2 minutes ago, Victorian said:

Ah yes.   The placing of certain instances alongside a few token others.   We've seen that before.

Its contemptous to think we are that niaive and gullible.

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

Dont see anything wrong with this, do we not want an investigation, got to behave like adults ourselves

[jamboinglasgow]

I look forward to the outcome which will be Celtic handed a £2,000 fine which is suspended for 12 months.

 

Almost feel like they have chucked the other matches in at the same time to investigate to try minimise the punishment (these games all had pitch invasions so all games will get the same punishment (ignoring the severeness of the one at Celtic Park.)

[Gorgiewave]

Is there a timeframe for these investigations? The SFA have apparently been investigating the Rangers-Celtic cup tie since March, with no sign of a verdict.

[jamboinglasgow]

Just now, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

Dont see anything wrong with this, do we not want an investigation, got to behave like adults ourselves

 

To be fair we want an investigation, I just think people are cynical what the outcome will be.

[Fire_At_The_Disco]

Just now, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

Dont see anything wrong with this, do we not want an investigation, got to behave like adults ourselves

You really think they will come up with the sanctions we want? Refs investigated, pitch invasions investigated etc. 

[Mr Benn]

Can see Stenhousemuir and Alloa being the patsies in all this. Been ruining Scottish football for years…

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

Just now, Fire_At_The_Disco said:

You really think they will come up with the sanctions we want? Refs investigated, pitch invasions investigated etc. 

 

1 minute ago, jamboinglasgow said:

 

To be fair we want an investigation, I just think people are cynical what the outcome will be.

Exactly, but imagine if there were none?

[maroonsgotop]

Their latest nonsense coming out to put Celtic's crimes/offences in with other games to dilute their punishment. Corrupt and rotten to the core.

 

I'm sure Hearts will keep their focus. Staying quiet is good as Celtic/MON/SFA/SPFL are filling the void with their narrative. Keep them talking, Hearts

[MrWinningSmith]

Possible they know a fire storm is coming so they are trying to cover their arse? Make it look like they are trying to do something, but in reality it’s just to slow down the pace at which we expose them? 

[flem]

This is just a smoke screen to make it look like they will take appropriate action. 

[vegas-voss]

Ah the seen to be doing something without actually doing anything meaningful approach.

 

Standard Scottish Football.

[Gorgiewave]

It's interesting that H30.4 prohibits expression of opposition to banned terrorist groups.

[number-16]

The timing of this statement will be a direct result of what our club has been asking and asking for.

There might have been something done anyway but I imagine the SPFL will have been given a timeline to get this sorted, either to our satisfaction or so hat we can take further steps.

As a reminder, these are the options available should a breach be determined:

J4 Upon determining that a breach of or failure to fulfil the Rules or Regulations has been established, the Board or a Section J Tribunal may:-
J4.1 issue a warning as to future conduct;
J4.2 issue a reprimand;

J4.3 impose a fine;

J4.4 annul the result of an Official Match or Matches;

J4.5 order that an Official Match or Matches be replayed;

J4.6 impose a deduction of points;

J4.7 award an Official Match or Matches (with such deemed score as it thinks appropriate) to a Club;

J4.8 order the playing of an Official Match or Matches behind closed doors;

J4.9 order the closure of all or part of a Stadium for such period and for such purposes as it thinks appropriate;

J4.10 order the playing of an Official Match or Matches at such Stadium as it thinks appropriate;

J4.11 order the relegation of a Club to a lower Division and make such consequent orders as to promotion as it shall think appropriate;

J4.12 subject to Rule J6, order that a Club be expelled from the League;

J4.13 withdraw or withhold the award of a title or award;

J4.14 order any Club, Official or Player to pay compensation to any Club, Player, person or party;

J4.15 order any Club, Official or Player to comply with any obligation or direction;

J4.16 cancel or refuse the League Registration of any Player League Registered or attempted to be League Registered;

J4.17 order that a Club concerned be debarred from Registering Players for such period as it thinks appropriate;

J4.18 order that any person, persons or group of persons be prohibited from attending at such Official Match or Matches and for such period as it thinks appropriate;

J4.19 make such other direction, sanction or disposal, not expressly provided for in these Rules, as it shall think appropriate; and/or

J4.20 make such order as to expenses, including the expenses of the Company and/or Section J Tribunal and/or other party, as it thinks appropriate.

 

Source - https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/January 2026/MASTER - Rules and Regulations (CLEAN - 15 January 2026).pdf

[Bordeaux 03]

It will have taken the SFA 3 months to report on the old firm from March. Looking forward to reading the report on this next year. 

[Victorian]

Maybe I'm just off my chump but maybe the instance at Celtic Park could have been avoided if the instance at Fir Park had been adequately dealt with in prompt,  reasonable and responsible time.

 

Fir Park was 9 days ago.   And nothing was said about it until now.   Since then we've seen a far worse incident.

 

Maybe if those arseholes didn't move at the pace of tectonic plates then shit might be avoided.   Like Celtic being forced to use hundreds of security staff and police to protect their pitch?

[Cruyff]

Celtic will just say we had adequate policing and stewarding in place and nothing will be done. 

[gt136]

2 minutes ago, Bordeaux 03 said:

It will have taken the SFA 3 months to report on the old firm from March. Looking forward to reading the report on this next year. 

It will have taken 16 years for the dirty hibs v Huns sc free for all & no punishment

[number-16]

5 minutes ago, Bordeaux 03 said:

It will have taken the SFA 3 months to report on the old firm from March. Looking forward to reading the report on this next year. 

 

Just now, gt136 said:

It will have taken 16 years for the dirty hibs v Huns sc free for all & no punishment

 

I realise the two organisations are somewhat intertwined, but both of those games were cup games under the jurisdiction of the SFA.

 

This investigation is from the SPFL. It may not be any better but it's not quite comparing apples and apples.

[gt136]

Meant 14 years

[kingantti1874]

Guaranteed they will try and fine Frankie for stamping on that gimps phone.  If so.  We should crowdfund the fine

[Pingu]

16 minutes ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

Dont see anything wrong with this, do we not want an investigation, got to behave like adults ourselves

 

Agree it's good they are investigating, although I'd prefer our game was singled out for special attention rather than being lumped in with a list of four others. Given the magnitude of the offences and the significance of the occasion, I don't think it's right to treat it as just another example. Hopefully the investigation process will recognise that but I'm not confident.

[Carter]

26 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

Disciplinary action against the referees for Motherwell v Hearts and Motherwell v Celtic surely.

The outcome of the KMI panel assessment of Steven McLean penalty incident in Motherwell v Hearts is to award him the Scottish Cup Final 🤷‍♂️

[Hømme]

2 minutes ago, kingantti1874 said:

Guaranteed they will try and fine Frankie for stamping on that gimps phone.  If so.  We should crowdfund the fine

 

Absolutely. 

[south morocco]

29 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

Disciplinary action against the referees for Motherwell v Hearts and Motherwell v Celtic surely.

No chance. 

[Morgan]

29 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

Disciplinary action against the referees for Motherwell v Hearts and Motherwell v Celtic surely.

That's the ones that I want the most.

[gnasher75]

20 minutes ago, Kalamazoo Jambo said:

Yes…

 

 

 

Link here,,,

 

https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/January 2026/MASTER - Rules and Regulations (CLEAN - 15 January 2026).pdf

 

 

Thanks. Comparing that to rules H36 and 37, it seems quite a narrow scope. 

 

Do Motherwell as the Home Club get punished for not preventing Celtic fans invading their pitch?

 

Should they not also be looking at the rule around clubs failing to control players and staff (or did I make that up) because that's how the invasion on Saturday began. Not sure it falls under the definition of Unacceptable Conduct.

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, number-16 said:

The timing of this statement will be a direct result of what our club has been asking and asking for.

There might have been something done anyway but I imagine the SPFL will have been given a timeline to get this sorted, either to our satisfaction or so hat we can take further steps.

As a reminder, these are the options available should a breach be determined:

J4 Upon determining that a breach of or failure to fulfil the Rules or Regulations has been established, the Board or a Section J Tribunal may:-
J4.1 issue a warning as to future conduct;
J4.2 issue a reprimand;

J4.3 impose a fine;

J4.4 annul the result of an Official Match or Matches;

J4.5 order that an Official Match or Matches be replayed;

J4.6 impose a deduction of points;

J4.7 award an Official Match or Matches (with such deemed score as it thinks appropriate) to a Club;

J4.8 order the playing of an Official Match or Matches behind closed doors;

J4.9 order the closure of all or part of a Stadium for such period and for such purposes as it thinks appropriate;

J4.10 order the playing of an Official Match or Matches at such Stadium as it thinks appropriate;

J4.11 order the relegation of a Club to a lower Division and make such consequent orders as to promotion as it shall think appropriate;

J4.12 subject to Rule J6, order that a Club be expelled from the League;

J4.13 withdraw or withhold the award of a title or award;

J4.14 order any Club, Official or Player to pay compensation to any Club, Player, person or party;

J4.15 order any Club, Official or Player to comply with any obligation or direction;

J4.16 cancel or refuse the League Registration of any Player League Registered or attempted to be League Registered;

J4.17 order that a Club concerned be debarred from Registering Players for such period as it thinks appropriate;

J4.18 order that any person, persons or group of persons be prohibited from attending at such Official Match or Matches and for such period as it thinks appropriate;

J4.19 make such other direction, sanction or disposal, not expressly provided for in these Rules, as it shall think appropriate; and/or

J4.20 make such order as to expenses, including the expenses of the Company and/or Section J Tribunal and/or other party, as it thinks appropriate.

 

Source - https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/January 2026/MASTER - Rules and Regulations (CLEAN - 15 January 2026).pdf

 

Thanks. I just spent 10 minutes looking for that and gave up!

 

So I would settle for a three point deduction for Fir Park, suspended if they repeated it. To be imposed after Saturday's events. And a further 10 point deduction for the start of next season for Saturday. Seems reasonable.

[Deevers]

Absolutely no faith in the SPFL to do anything like the right thing with their investigation. They are totally tarnished due to their behaviour at the split. Ditching the protocol that ensured that the team sitting top at the split had their last match at home for Celtics benefit tells you all. They are totally compromised in this and any investigation by them would undoubtedly be one that looks after. Celtics best interests. Rotten to the core. 

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

They have always protected referees in Scotland, only option is to bin the clown at the top of them and install someone capable of demonstrating integrity, a very long shot in Scotland.

[hughesie27]

If they try and lump them with anything meaningful it will be suspended.

[Dazo]

Ffs not even hiding in plain sight now.  
 

We will drag a few clubs into this just so it isn’t just about Celtic. 
 

I may have missed but about the OF game ? 

[Bill Sikes]

Does this happen at the end of every season, if so, what punishments have been dished out before now for pitch Invasions or are they just making this up as they go along because there are eyeballs watching that they'd rather weren't so they can get back to sucking the old firm boaby without interference.

[heartsfc_fan]

If you look at the lack of police/stewarding around the pitch near full time at Celtic Park it's pathetic. They seemed too focused on piling around 50 officers in front of the Hearts fans.

 

That isn't on Celtic though? Or is it?