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SPL season extension fails to satisfy Rangers and Celtic

22/04/2008

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) has announced an extension to the league season but has failed to satisfy either Celtic or Rangers.

The SPL was forced to extend the season by four days due to Rangers' commitments in domestic and European cup competitions which have limited the league's chances to reschedule fixtures which were abandoned earlier in the year.

Celtic feel that the schedule is unfair to them as they could have to wait 11 days between their penultimate and final fixtures.

The SPL has come up with two different fixture lists for the end of the season which depends on Rangers' success in the Uefa Cup.

If Rangers reach the Uefa Cup final the SPL season would finish on Thursday May 22nd, if they do not then it will end on Sunday May 18th.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "We do not want to disadvantage Rangers should they reach the UEFA Cup final, but we are extremely disappointed and concerned at the manner of the decision-making process – which was done without consultation with the clubs or the SPL board – and the effects on the integrity of the competition."

Despite Celtic's protestations Iain Blair, company secretary of the SPL, claimed they had been forced to accept an extension to the season because of "unparalleled scheduling problems".

However, Rangers argue they are being asked to play too many games in a short space of time which, they argue, could negative affect their chances of winning silverware.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "It is hardly the best preparation in the lead-up to the UEFA Cup Final - if we get there - to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday in advance of that.

"So I don't see what the SPL have done for Rangers in terms of aiding them in European competition. They have simply accommodated a fixture."

Celtic currently lead Rangers by two points at the top of the table but their Old Firm rivals have three games in hand.

All the final fixtures between the top six sides in the SPL must kick-off on the same day at the same time.