SPFL Fixture Dilemma Looms as Rangers and Celtic Battle for Premiership Crown

SPFL Fixture Dilemma Looms as Rangers and Celtic Battle for Premiership Crown

As the Scottish Premiership title race intensifies, the prospect of a nail-biting finale poses a unique challenge for SPFL fixture schedulers. With Rangers and Celtic neck and neck, determining the home team for the final day becomes a perplexing task.

Rarely encountered in the past two decades, this scenario presents a headache for the league’s governing body. The allure of lifting the prestigious Premiership trophy in front of a roaring home crowd adds to the complexity of scheduling post-split fixtures—a luxury not often afforded in European leagues.

How do they navigate this conundrum? Record Sport delves into historical precedent, revealing a simple yet logical approach. Typically, the team leading the table pre-split secures a home fixture for the final day, except in instances where both top contenders end up playing away, as seen in memorable clashes between Rangers and Celtic.

Reflecting on past seasons:

In 2002/03, Rangers celebrated their triumph with a home game victory against Dunfermline, clinching the title at Ibrox despite Celtic’s efforts. 2004/05 witnessed the dramatic “Helicopter Sunday” finale, with neither Rangers nor Celtic enjoying a home fixture, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

2007/08 saw both sides away on the final day, with Celtic sealing the title with a win at Tannadice.

In 2008/09, despite Celtic’s home advantage, Rangers emerged victorious away against Hearts, overturning the deficit.

2010/11 saw Celtic falter at home against Inverness Caley Thistle, allowing Rangers to snatch the title at Rugby Park.

In 2021/22, with Rangers trailing by six points, Celtic secured a home game against Motherwell, reinforcing their favorites’ status for the title.

With each season providing its own twists and turns, the race for Premiership glory remains unpredictable. As Rangers and Celtic vie for supremacy, the final day fixture allocation adds another layer of intrigue to an already captivating contest.

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