SPFL have no option but to play ball with Ibrox delay and Rangers crisis: view
06/28/2024 01:30 PM
And so it begins. Rangers now know what needs to be done ahead of the 2024/25 season kicking off with the SPFL having already set a precedent.
The fixture list has been relatively kind with only three league games at Ibrox penciled in until October which should be plenty of time to sort out the issue involving the Copland Road stand.
Neil Doncaster has spoken about an improved relationship with Rangers and, despite no alternate venue announced just yet, there is no reason why John Bennett shouldn't get exactly what he wants off the game's governing body.
SPFL have have set precedent already for Rangers crisis
The reason being, is that there was an identical situation in 2017.
Hearts were rebuilding their main stand but because work overran due to an issue with supplies coming from Asia they had to move elsewhere – sound familiar?
Their first four home games were rearranged without any drama, but a further delay meant that Hearts had to move quickly to negotiate Murrayfield as a temporary home for two games before the autumn rugby internationals kicked-off.
When they did return to Tynecastle, the go ahead was given just hours before the fixture, much to the annoyance of Partick Thistle, however, the SPFL were more than happy to sing Hearts praises:
"It is our policy to ensure that we give every possible opportunity for matches to proceed at their scheduled time.
“That applies in cases of inclement weather, fogbound pitches or, in this situation, to enable building works to be completed.
"Signs in the run-up to Sunday’s game, as well as the very regular updates we received, all indicated that the match would be able to proceed as scheduled.
"We are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by both sets of fans, as well as by the players and officials of each club.
“We congratulate Hearts on pulling out all the stops to have the stadium ready for yesterday's game.
"A congested fixture schedule always presents a challenge so we will always do what we can to avoid the need to squeeze more matches into an already busy calendar.
“We note Partick Thistle's calls for a review into the events surrounding this game and will be in contact with them in due course to discuss their views.
"The new Tynecastle stand represents a very significant investment by Hearts and is an extremely welcome addition to the game in Scotland."
Where will Rangers be playing when the season kicks off?
It will be interesting to see if the SPFL produce a similar statement when Rangers disabled facilities are upgraded and Ibrox re-opens.
The Champions League qualifiers remain the biggest issue with Hampden Park and Murrayfield the two venues that are most likely to be considered.
A trip across the M8 might be a nuisance for some, however, an extra 20,000 Rangers fans in the stadium would more than make up for that.
UEFA have reversed fixtures before for various reasons and, if Rangers request a change, it will probably be granted.
Given the size of the rebuild needed to the Rangers squad and the departure of James Bisgrove, this is the last thing that Bennett will have wanted to have to deal with.
The only question is where will Rangers be playing – the home of football, or the home of rugby?
