I can say that I am actually shocked to see that the SPL has decided to extend the season in order to accommodate a team who could be taking place in a European Final, especially since they never extended the term previously for a team who were playing in a UEFA Cup Final!
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell was on record previously as being totally opposed to any extension of the league season stating that any extension would reduce the integrity of the competition. I cant really believe that this has occurred.
Secretary Iain Blair said: "It is well documented that this has been an exceptionally challenging season in terms of fixturing.
"The combination of a number of diverse circumstances has produced unparalleled scheduling problems."
This is true, the tragic passing of Phil O' Donnell and the state of the pitches at places like Fir Park and Ibrox have taken their toll but is their no alternative to handing an extension to one team that you refused another? Celtic were forced to play at least two games a week in the run-in during the trip to the final in 2003, including a derby game at the Death Star less than 36 hours after they returned from Boavista!
The SPL puppet continued "Our aim throughout has been to protect the integrity of the competition, balance the interests of our member clubs and have regard to player welfare and fixturing precedent," said Blair.
He described the proposal as "a modest extension to the season to enable Rangers FC to represent the SPL and all of Scottish football in the Uefa Cup final".
"It reflects the fact that the outstanding fixtures cannot reasonably be played in the available time and will involve some disruption for a number of our clubs," said Blair.
I wonder what the SPL's definition of "reasonably" in the above phrase is?
I also wonder what will happen to the St Mirren players who were opposed to any extension to the league due to their holiday plans?
Anyway, Rangers would have to get past Fiorentina for this to happen.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt