SPL games given 6pm slots to avoid European fixtures

The Scottish Premier League have confirmed that St Johnstone's midweek televised games against the Old Firm have both been given 6pm kick-offs, to avoid a clash with Champions League fixtures.

The televised fixtures will take place when Saints host Rangers on Tuesday, 5 April, before Celtic travel to McDiarmid Park on Tuesday, 12 April.

The early kick-offs are bound to be unpopular with supporters who want to attend the games. The SPL highlighted this concern with Uefa, but league officials say they must abide by regulations which prevent domestic televised games going head- to-head with European competition.

SPL secretary Iain Blair said: "Uefa has determined that there should be no televised football from the top division domestic football in conflict with its matches in the Champions League and Europa League. This restriction does not apply to other competitions, such as domestic cup tournaments. In the event that Uefa's requirements were not observed, the result would be a financial penalty to all our clubs."

He added: "We do understand the dissatisfaction expressed by fans wishing to attend these matches."

Rangers have also been given dates for outstanding league fixtures against Aberdeen and St Mirren, on Wednesday, 13 April (7.45pm) and Saturday, 16 April (3pm) respectively. Their game against Dundee United has still to be re-arranged.