Rangers must stand firm as SPFL show their hand, Celtic will be watching closely
Rangers must stand firm when it comes to selecting a new date for their rearranged fixture with Dundee.
Sunday’s (17 March) clash at Dens Park was called off around an hour and a half before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch.
The decision to postpone the match, with very little indication until a few hours beforehand it was even under threat, left Philippe Clement angry.
Referee Don Robertson explained the decision, but a fourth postponement of the season for Dundee on home soil says it all.
Both clubs will now need to come together to find a date that best suits all parties, but the possible options are limited.
As the SPFL pointed out in a statement on Monday (18 March), the game will need to be played before the league splits.
That leaves four dates – April 2, 3, 9 and 10 – as possible slots to schedule the fixture.
The first two of those dates are not ideal as it comes immediately before a potential title-deciding showdown with Celtic at Ibrox.
Rangers v Celtic Old Firm clash on horizon
Playing Dundee a few days prior to the Celtic match leaves players open to injury, suspension or indeed both.
Clement will no doubt therefore want to play the Dundee match a few days after the Celtic game, but that is where Sky Sports may step in.
That midweek will see the Champions League quarter-finals played, and domestic football cannot clash with those kick-off times.
Sky may pump money into the Scottish game, but this is a decision Rangers have to stand firm on.
Being made to play in the midweek before the Celtic match, when Brendan Rodgers’ side will be rested up, is just not fair.
Let’s just hope common sense prevails and a decision that suits everyone can be reached.
In other Rangers news, Dermot Gallagher has had his say on the decision to postpone the match late on.
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