Celtic and Rangers both aiming for this year’s Premiership title (Image: Getty Images)
SPFL bosses are preparing for a spectacular Old Firm Premiership play-off if the title race ends in a stalemate between Rangers and Celtic. A 3-1 win for Celtic in the final derby of the season next month would open up the extraordinary possibility that the rivals could end their already impressive seasons completely level.
This means the same points, goal difference and goals scored before matching head-to-head results are taken into account. And that would pave the way for an unprecedented playoff for the top league title. The play-offs have been on the table for the first time since 2003, when Mikel Arteta’s late penalty put Rangers over the line with a solitary goal over Celtic. At that time, Hampden was designated as the venue.
Under the current regulations, it is already out of the question for Hearts to finish level on points with both of Glasgow’s powerhouses, given that even if Celtic won the final showdown between the two teams, they would not be able to match the Jumbos’ head-to-head record.
Similarly, if Rangers and Hearts end up tied on points, goal difference and goals scored, the deadlock will be resolved by the time the teams last meet, with Hearts either favored to win or draw, or Rangers will win on goal difference against the Jambos.
However, there is still the possibility that the Old Firm could reach a stalemate. And while the early end of the league for the summer’s World Cup has further complicated the progression of matches, Express Sport understands that the SPFL board will advise on the options available. The first option is a neutral-field playoff with overtime and penalties if necessary.
An SPFL official confirmed, “That’s true. The league has prepared for similar situations in the past.” Following yesterday’s wins over Celtic and Hearts, Rangers travel to Falkirk on Sunday afternoon for their final game before the split, but the three-way title race shows no signs of slowing down.
Celtic and Rangers likely to meet in title play-offs (Image: Getty)
The post-split top six campaign concludes on Saturday May 16th, with Celtic hosting Hearts and Rangers traveling to Falkirk again.
Current league rules stipulate that if the teams cannot separate in terms of points, goal difference, number of goals scored, direct goals scored, or direct goal difference, a playoff must be held.
This could lead to a desperate scramble to secure a venue large enough to accommodate an additional Old Firm game in the days before the Scottish Cup final at Hampden on Saturday 23 May.
In the unusual scenario where all three clubs are tied on points, goal difference and goals, reigning champions Celtic will be eliminated from contention based on their accumulated points against the other two title challengers.
Hearts currently have 13 points against the Old Firm and Rangers have 8 points against the Jumbos and Hoops. Celtic have won just three games against two other teams and are unable to match Hearts’ results.
