No New Year Derby For Old Firm

12 June 2011 11:59
Police worries over trouble could mean an early Old Fim Derby in December. The season's fixtures are due to be published on Friday and already there appears to concerns that the SPL could be forced to scrap the Old Firm derby traditionally played over the New Year holiday. The festive fixture could be set to played on a midweek evening in December instead following  police advice in a bid to reduce the possibility of trouble surrounding the fixture.  SPL secretary Iain Blair said: "We've been working with the police and government and their view is a midweek Old Firm derby is easier for them to deal with compared to the challenges presented by bank holidays, such as January 2. Wednesday 28 is a working day, as is Thursday 29, so let's see what happens. While the crowd situation at the actual games has been very good in recent years, their view is that what happens at the stadium has an effect on various parts around Scotland, excessive drinking etc, and the problems created. If there are things we can do that would minimise those opportunities, then we will look at them."

Source: FOOTYMAD