The theory on reason for Celtic fixture delay

The announcement of the post-split SPFL fixtures has been delayed because Rangers still have one game-in-hand to play against Dundee this week.

Many Celtic fans have been speaking about this online on social media and with the Dens Park side already guaranteeing their place in the top six at the weekend, there is confusion as to why the SPFL won’t release the fixture dates before tomorrow night’s Rangers game.

There have been various theories discussed with one of the main ones being that the SPFL don’t want to arrange the final Glasgow Derby as a potential league decider.

Dundee’s league position determines Celtic fixtures

However, it seems that there is a more reasonable explanation for the delay as journalist, Roger Hannah, points out.

When quizzed on live radio about why the SPFL don’t just get the announcement over and done with, Hannah said [Superscoreboard], “I’ll try and condense this down and we’ll use Celtic as an example. Celtic have three home Games, they have only played 16 home Games and 17 away.

“So to keep the balance 19 all, Celtic will need to play three at home and two away after the split, one of whom will obviously be Rangers.

“But the way the split has finished this season, Kilmarnock, St. Mirren and Dundee are all in the top six.

“Celtic will be due to go to all three of those grounds because they have played Kilmarnock at home twice, Dundee at home twice and St Mirren at home twice and that obviously can’t happen.

“So Celtic will need to get an extra home game against one of those three teams and it’s usually against the team that’s sixth.

“As things stand just now, if Dundee don’t beat Rangers 5-0, then the likelihood is Celtic will get another home game against Dundee.

“If Dundee do beat Rangers 5-0 they would be fifth and Celtic are likely to have another home Game against St Mirren.”

There are a couple of unrealistic permutations there but to be fair to the SPFL, they are not impossible so I can understand why they need to hold off from the announcement.

But for the bigger picture, after losing at Ross County, Rangers must not go to Dens Park and win tomorrow after a successful pitch inspection took place today.

Any further dropped points put Celtic firmly in the driving seat and with Brendan Rodgers having three home Games out of the final five, the Hoops have a firm advantage on the home stretch.

*NOTE* This article was written and published prior to the SPFL announcement of the post-split fixtures this afternoon which can be found here.

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