SPFL call for greater use of football banning orders

The Scottish Professional Football League says there is a greater need for football banning orders to tackle "unacceptable" conduct at matches.

In a statement, the league body highlighted the "dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour" from a minority of fans in Scotland.

The SPFL pointed to the use of smoke bombs and flares as a particular concern and welcomed more discussions with Police Scotland and the Scottish government about how to best to crack down on the issue.

The league have also confirmed Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle face punishment for the use of pyrotechnics by fans near the end of the 2024-25 season.

It comes after Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell insisted he wants to avoid a situation where supporters are banned for using pyrotechnics.

"You would absolutely never want to get to that stage and we need to look at the steps that we can take to avoid that," he told BBC Sport Scotland.

The SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".

Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.

"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.

"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."