Aberdeen FC have lost 500 tickets for their Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers after a pitch invasion and pyrotechnics display at Rugby Park. The SPFL sanction also requires the club to cover the full cost of the forfeited seats, impacting both fan access and club finances ahead of the Hampden clash on 31 October.
The incident occurred after Stephen Robinson's side beat Kilmarnock 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarter-final on 12 September. Supporters entered the pitch after the shoot-out victory, while flares were set off in the away end before kick-off. The league's disciplinary ruling reduces Aberdeen's allocation from around 17,000 to 16,500 tickets.
Financial consequences for club
Aberdeen must now meet the cost of the 500 lost tickets as part of the SPFL's punishment. This financial penalty comes as the team sits seventh in the Premiership on eight points from seven games, a position they will look to improve starting with their next home match against St Johnstone on 11 October.
Fan conduct under scrutiny
In a statement, the club reminded supporters that pyrotechnics are illegal and could lead to banning orders. Newly-installed chief executive Adrian Bevington described the fanbase as hugely passionate but stressed the vast majority are well-behaved. He urged fans to consider the consequences of their actions to protect the matchday experience for everyone and avoid further sanctions.
Managing supporter behaviour is now a clear priority, with the club's fixtures showing a key run of home games ahead. The immediate focus is on the visit of St Johnstone, where a positive result could lift Aberdeen from their current mid-table standing.
This story first appeared at BBC Sport Football
