Good things come to those who wait?
Er, it doesn't feel like that in the eyes of many tuned into the Scottish Premiership. The delay to find out the fixtures is over but the lifeblood of our game – those who attend and others who pay good money for TV subscriptions – now are again left feeling the top-flight post-split schedule chosen by SPFL, in correspondence with Sky Sports and the police, hasn’t shown off our game to its full potential.
The last five matchdays are jam-packed with storylines but only five of the final 30 games will be shown live. And the gripes aren't limited to TV selections – Celtic followers reckon there's a flaw over the lack of an opportunity to seal the deal in front of their home fans. Ditto supporters of Aberdeen and Hearts as well as those fans of clubs in the bottom six. Punters are never shy in sounding off but the worries are wide–ranging.
Record Sport runs the rule over potential flaws over the final weeks of the season and the issues raising blood pressure across the country.
Only 1400
That's how many punters are likely to see Celtic secure an 11th Premiership title in 12 seasons. It will be the number of away briefs given for the trip to Tynecastle on Sunday, May 7. And even if the wait goes on another week for Ange Postecoglou's champions-elect then there will be no away fans inside Ibrox to see them take on Rangers if the title is on the line or already secured. Parkhead punters would make the case they should be allowed at least one shot of sealing the deal in front of 60,000 supporters. That, however, wouldn’t come until the third round of games which is unlikely at best.
What police don't want
The SPFL decision-makers liaise closely with both broadcasters and Police Scotland before printing off the final post split fixture list. It had been anticipated a visit to Ibrox for Celtic would come either on matchday 36 or 37 but they travel to Rangers in their second game after the split. A wrong move in Gorgie will see it become a title decider. Police chiefs have looked to avoid such a scenario since Celtic trounced Rangers 5-0 to win the league back in 2018. The absence of away fans leads to different scenario for cops, however, it does appear the wishes of Sky Sports have been listened to over the final draft – now it's to be seen if Rangers applaud Celtic on to the pitch in a guard of honour if the title is in the bag. An emotive issue which has raised its head before.
The fight for third not on the box
The decision to air Hearts vs Ross County last weekend felt a head-scratcher at the time and now becomes even more confusing with a potential decider in the race for third with Aberdeen not being televised. The SPFL and broadcasters would make a counter-argument but fan ire is high over the decision not to televise a game where everything could be on the line. A pair of the biggest clubs in the country battling to grab the equivalent of a ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory in the form of guaranteed European group stage football. It HAS to shown live considering you'll be unable to get a brief inside Tynecastle for love nor money on Saturday, May 20. That game, however, doesn’t come until the last round of fixtures when it is highly likely the race for third will have already been decided.
Call compounded
The decision to air Hibs vs Rangers on the Sunday only compounds the choice to overlook Hearts vs Aberdeen. Yes, just to reiterate Hearts' quota of fixtures that can be aired at home will be filled after the Celtic game, however, that Staggies choice certainly stings now. Hibs remain rank outsiders to finish top three and there's a high chance Rangers' slimmest of title hopes will be extinguished by matchday 36. Rangers boss Michael Beale is likely to be in experimental mode by the time this one rolls around – Hibs vs Rangers can't hold a candle to the belter expected across the city 24 hours earlier. And in another point, the Edinburgh derby – matchday 5 – will again not be on TV. Just like the last one. Bonkers!
No bottom six on TV
Those who fear Scottish football revolves around two teams in Glasgow have had their case strengthened by the decision not to broadcast any of the bottom six games on the box. Yes, Sky will air the play-off finals between the remaining Championship side and the club who finishes 11th in the Premiership. But, come on, only SIX points separate the bottom four of Ross County, Kilmarnock, Dundee United and St Johnstone? These feel like games fit for primetime.
Killie County no go
Yes, there's a compelling case for more than one fixture to be broadcast live from the bottom six, however, if just one was selected then Killie vs the Staggies on the final day appears to tick every box. Teams may have their fate decided but not many would rule out Malky Mackay's side of a rousing finish even amid their recent woe. Even as an exercise in box-ticking it would appear the right thing to do. But Sky's five choices are all from the top six and judging by an outpouring on social media it feels like an own goal.
Let games breathe
A point which is getting traction in the Granite City since the big reveal – was there not a way to avoid Aberdeen and Rangers facing off in consecutive Premiership fixtures? One of Scottish football’s biggest rivalries? Yes, the two-week break with Scottish Cup semi finals taking place offers a gap but Dons punters certainly weren't planning for an instant return on matchday 34. Some may view as merely a grump but Aberdeen fans reckon there's a better way than a double dunter against their great rivals.
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