Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers unhappy at festive fixture changes for TV
- Published
Celtic beat Hibs 4-0 at Easter Road on 28 December
Brendan Rodgers finds it strange that Celtic have been handed another festive away game as Rangers and Motherwell also complained about fixture changes.
Rangers' visit to Motherwell has been switched from 23 December to Christmas Eve, while Dundee will host Celtic on Boxing Day instead of 27 December.
Manager Rodgers said it was his side's seventh such away game in a row.
"So either we are very, very unlucky to be drawn away, or someone is making tricks behind the scenes," he said.
The fixture changes have been made by the Scottish Professional Football League, which has declined to respond to the criticism, to accommodate live television coverage.
Celtic's previous six fixtures in the first game falling after Christmas Day have been away against Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian, Hamilton Academical, St Mirren, Aberdeen and Dundee - five of which were on Boxing Day.
"It's not ideal," Rodgers said. "Obviously we would have preferred it to stay as it was - especially at that time of the year.
"I am pretty sure I'm correct in this - I think the last seven years Celtic have been away at that period of the season. For seven years on the spin this club have been away at that time of the season. That's not right for supporters.
"So hopefully they can maybe look at that going forward."
Rangers issued a statement on their website saying they "are disappointed" with their fixture change.
"Sky Sports' movement of the match to Christmas Eve, a day where many supporters will have other plans and also, where public transport is limited, feels unnecessary given the potential broadcast slots available to them on the Saturday," they said.
"The club also learned of this fixture change only an hour prior to its external announcement, which allowed no time for any dialogue or debate with either Sky Sports or the SPFL.
"Sky Sports are a valued league partner, and as a club, we enjoy a strong working relationship with them. This decision, however, is extremely poor and shows a lack of regard to our supporters."
Motherwell also complained about the lack of notice.
"We believe that moving a major fixture to this date is a special circumstance that should've led to additional consultation/discussion with the club," they said on their website.
"We can only apologise to supporters who will be inconvenienced by this move and especially to those who will no longer be able to attend the game.
"We understand this move is particularly inconvenient for fans who had booked pre-match hospitality, which was already sold out."
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