Chris Sutton reckons Celtic fans are the big losers in the post-split fixtures row.
The Hoops need just one win to wrap up the title but have been handed away games at Hearts and Rangers to kick off – with limited tickets for travelling fans at Tynecastle and no supporters allowed at Ibrox. Sutton reckons Parkhead punters have been given a raw deal but the scheduling won’t halt a Premiership party if Ange Postecoglou’s men get the win they need in Edinburgh or across the M8 in Govan.
Speaking on the Record Sport Celtic podcast, Sutton said: “I’m sure they would still enjoy the lap of honour around Ibrox, even with no fans there. It is what it is, and the games had to be put in some particular order. But it does seem like they don’t want Celtic fans celebrating winning a title.
“They’ll do that anyway, whether they are at home or in the pubs in Glasgow. We saw Hearts against Ross County, they looked a changed team under Steven Naismith. Celtic have got five games left and it’s just about getting over the line – and they’ll celebrate anyway. It’s a bit of a shame. St Mirren is the third game after the split so they could celebrate with their own fans then, that would be my focus as a player.
“From a fans’ perspective, there would be an element of disappointment they won’t get the opportunity to play against an Aberdeen or St Mirren at home after the split. But I don’t think it’s any great surprise the way the fixtures have come out.”
A Celtic win against Hearts would see the Hoops head to Ibrox as champions. Sutton added: “If Celtic wrap up the league at Tynecastle, will there be a guard of honour at Ibrox? I’d like to think so. You do the right thing…”
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