Source: Team_Talk
Last-day title decider ruled out
The race for the championship looks set to go down to the wire once again, after Celtic triumphed on the final day last term.
The Scottish champions boast a three-point lead at the summit of the Scottish Premier League, with Rangers enjoying home advantage in the final Old Firm derby.
But SPL bosses have confirmed that clash at Ibrox will take place soon after the league split to once again avoid the scenario of Celtic and Rangers battling each other in a title-deciding match.
SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said: "What we try to do with the last five fixtures is ensure that we don't have the title decider between the Old Firm and we have been successful in doing that in recent years.
"But we might have the helicopter on standby again and that would be the third time in six years, which isn't bad for this little league that everybody has a go at."
Gold insisted keeping the Old Firm apart in a title decider was not simply a case of still being unable to trust fans of both clubs.
"It's not simply that," he said. "We take advice from the police and they are not keen on it. We follow their advice.
"It's not about any change in the situation. In fact, it does appear that things are better than they have been. Not as good as they might be, but
better than they have been.
"There is no immediate concern in that regard, it's just common sense to try to avoid a problem that you can avoid."
Regardless of who triumphs, Gold is hoping the championship goes the distance once again.
He said: "I hope it does because it keeps interest in the league and, despite the comments there are about this league, there are a lot of people keen on watching it.
"More people watch professional football in Scotland per head of the population than anywhere else in Europe."
Scottish Premier Winner 2008/09 Win Outright: Rangers 5/4
