Old Firm Double To Stop Trouble

Feb 24 2008 By Gordon Waddell

Exclusive

RANGERS and Celtic could face incredible back-to-back Old Firm clashes at Parkhead straight after the SPL split - to avoid either game becoming a title showdown.

The fixture chaos caused by postponements and Gers' progress in Europe and both domestic cups has left SPL bosses with a logjam.

But last night they insisted they still do not want the two clubs facing off to decide the league.

The mayhem of the 1999 title decider at Celtic Park, when ref Hugh Dallas was struck by a coin, made league chiefs decide to bodyswerve another showdown.

And that could now mean the Old Firm will play two matches in succession at Parkhead - allwithin threeweeks of the next Ibrox clash on March 29.

SPL operations director Iain Blair said: "It is still an objective to avoid them playing against each other with the title at stake.

"Those of us with long memories still remember May 1999. After many discussions with the police we still say it's something we should avoid.

"It's not absolute - it may get to the stage when it's unavoidable."

Rangers have a Scottish Cup replay against Hibs coming up and if they crash out, the SPL could schedule one of the Parkhead games for March 19.

Blair said: "It's something we're speaking to the police about. But that date depends on the outcome of the Aberdeen v Celtic game in the Scottish Cup because their replay is scheduled for that day."

If Rangers get past Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup that could also cause problems rearranging their SPL clashes with Motherwell and St Mirren.

Buddies could end up playing Gers after the split - but in a game that could decide whether they're top six or bottom six.

Blair admitted: "Trying to fit either match in before the split on April 5 looks like being difficult.

"The outcome of these games could actually determine where a club would be after the split. We're looking at contingencies but have to wait for other events to unfold."