Scottish Premier League ponder derby date switch

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) could be forced to scrap the New Year Old Firm derby next season.

The SPL fixtures will be released on Friday and the traditional meeting between Rangers and Celtic, which takes place on the public holidays of January 1 or 2, looks set to be played on a midweek evening in December instead.

The move follows 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 their view is a midweek 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.”