celtic statement on possible spl extension

Newsroom Staff
CELTIC Football Club believes that today’s announcement by the SPL of a possible extension to this season’s league campaign has compromised the integrity of the competition.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “We do not want to disadvantage Rangers should they reach the UEFA Cup final, but we are extremely disappointed and concerned at the manner of the decision-making process – which was done without consultation with the clubs or the SPL board – and the effects on the integrity of the competition.

“In addition, this decision, which will cause a great deal of inconvenience to our supporters and to five other clubs, will also mean that Celtic would have a gap of 11 days before playing our final league fixture. A number of our key first-team players are also due to go on international duty immediately after our scheduled final league game against Dundee United on Sunday, May 18.

“In principle we accept fixture flexibility. However, the league must not be compromised by changing the rules during the course of the competition and these decisions should not be made on an ad hoc basis.

“Therefore, we oppose the decision and feel, in fact, that it has compromised the integrity of the competition.”