SPL brands fixtures criticism 'ludicrous'

THE Scottish Premier League has dismissed as "ludicrous" suggestions that its post-split fixtures have been prepared to disadvantage Rangers or any other club.

Ibrox manager Walter Smith hit out at the way the fixtures have fallen over the years after his club were handed a third away game at Dundee United this season.

Smith cited examples from throughout the SPL's history, pointing out that Celtic had never been asked to play away at a top-six rival for a third time.

But the SPL reiterated that its fixtures were worked out on the basis of a pre-determined list of priorities and on the advice of a working group drawn from several clubs. An SPL spokesman said: "According to reports in today's press, Rangers FC will write to the SPL regarding the post-split fixtures.

"Any SPL club is welcome to seek an explanation from the SPL about its fixture schedule.

"We will respond to Rangers' letter once received.

"Included in some reports is a suggestion the fixtures have been prepared to disadvantage Rangers FC and other clubs.

"This is both objectionable and entirely ludicrous.

"As we have already pointed out, the post-split fixtures are prepared on the basis of priorities. These priorities are designed to ensure the best possible balance of fixtures across all 12 clubs and are pre-determined by the SPL board, advised by the SPL fixture working group."