The new Belgian boss says the use of pyro is dangerous and adds nothing to his side.
Philippe Clement has urged Rangers fans to bring passion and not pyros to Hampden tomorrow as they try to reach the Viaplay Cup Final.
The Belgian reiterated the message he sent out on Wednesday night in the wake of the scenes at Dens Park which caused the league clash to be halted for 18 minutes as dozens of flares set off Dundee’s fire alarm system. That incident and many others this season last night prompted the SPFL and SFA to issue a warning ahead of both semi finals this weekend, stating that increased security measures will be in force – and enforced at the National Stadium today when Hibs take on Aberdeen and in tomorrow’s Rangers-Hearts showdown.
“It (pyro displays) used to happen more (in my own career). It’s good there are rules. It’s dangerous. We need to avoid it. I’ve seen it a lot in the past. But it’s good that there are strict rules because we need to avoid the danger for people.”
The joint governing body statement said: “Ahead of this weekend’s Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park, the Scottish FA and SPFL call on supporters to enjoy the showpiece occasions in a safe and responsible manner.
“Given the increased focus on the use of pyrotechnics, we appeal to fans of all four participating clubs to enjoy the matchday experience at the National Stadium but to do so in a manner that does not endanger the safety of their fellow supporters, or that has the potential to disrupt the matches themselves.
“The use of pyrotechnics is illegal. That message has been reiterated in the strongest possible terms by the police and football safety authorities, and reinforced by the SPFL and Scottish FA, during operational meetings with the participating clubs this week.
“The safety, security and enjoyment of tens of thousands of fans who will fill the National Stadium this weekend is paramount and there will be a range of steps put in place to help identify anyone who transgresses, including additional security measures and CCTV surveillance.
“We ask for your help in ensuring the weekend action is memorable for the excitement and entertainment generated on the field and not for any unwanted behaviour off it.”
Meanwhile, Clement has revealed Ben Davies and Tom Lawrence have a chance of making his semi final squad, but John Souttar, Kemar Roofe, Rabbi Matondo and Nico Raskin are definitely out.
And he insisted that winning a trophy early in his Ibrox career is not a huge motivation for him – although that’s clearly the target.
Clement said: “No, honestly I am totally not busy with that. I do this job because I love to do things with people together. I love to make players better, to guide them and to put my passion as a player into other people, because my body can’t do that on the pitch anymore.
“I’m not busy with my career and where I want to go. I have won trophies in my career, but the satisfaction is having this with the players and staff. I love the joy football can give people, like in Dundee after the final whistle you go inside and see all these people so happy.
“That is why I love to be a manager, with my players, staff and supporters. It’s about that, not my personal thing.”