Comment: Red card for SPL as Russians show us how a successful club should be looked after

Published on Saturday 3 May 2008 19:48

ALL of Scotland should be proud of Rangers' achievement in reaching the final of the UEFA Cup. As well as restoring our reputation as a footballing nation, the Ibrox club's achievement has practical benefits. Our co-efficient rises and other clubs benefit from the preferential seedings that come with a higher ranking.

The SPL was quick to trump this fact after Rangers reached the semi-finals. The league is less keen, however, to help Rangers prepare for the final against Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on Wednesday week.

Between now and then the Ibrox club will be forced to play three league games crammed into a seven-day period. By contrast, the Russian League announced yesterday it was postponing all Zenit's matches between now and the final, giving them 13 clear days to prepare for the game.

The SPL's refusal to extend the domestic season by more than a few days smacks of small-mindedness. In a league that is already the most cackhanded in Europe due to the ludicrous split, the organisers have come up with a hamfisted compromise which will see the SPL finish on a Thursday night – two days before the Scottish Cup final, which also involves Rangers.

All this to appease a Celtic side who still complained about the SPL's 'solution'.

It's hard not to escape the conclusion that the Scottish game is once more being hampered by Old Firm rivalry.

Rangers go into the UEFA Cup final as standard bearers for Scottish football. It's just a pity many in this country don't realise it.