Celtic called out as new SPFL and Rangers conspiracy created after announcement
Rangers will be starting the Scottish Premiership season in a fairly different shape under new manager Russell Martin.
There is plenty of work to be done before competitive football gets underway again, and with Champions League qualification to contend with too, things must get moving at Ibrox.
The Gers kick off their domestic season against Motherwell on 2 August, hoping to hit the ground running immediately.
However, Celtic have already reminded them that the rivalry will be as big as ever after a new complaint has emerged from fans.
Celtic called out after Rangers complaints
With the fixtures for the new season having now been released, the reality of how quickly it is approaching will have kicked in at Ibrox.
With new owners in Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers overseeing transfer business with Martin, the feeling that a new era is underway is certainly coming.
However, no signings have been made yet at Ibrox, and supporters cannot be blamed for wondering how long it’s going to take to get going this summer.
The plan that lies ahead is now clearer for those in Glasgow, though, and a clear timeframe is in place that must be adhered to, to allow the Light Blues to get going in good form.
Rangers may be excited about what the future may bring for them, but Celtic’s enthusiasm is much lower.
In fact, some supporters have hit out at the SPFL after it was confirmed that Celtic would be kicking off their season a day later than their rivals.
However, Michael Gannon has urged those complaining to focus on something new as he wrote in the Sunday Mail (22 June, page 60): “Fans look for conspiracies, search for clues to prove league chiefs are determined to stick a spike in their wheels.
“Here’s a news flash, folks – everyone needs to play everyone else in the league, the ‘when’ shouldn’t really matter.
“It does, though, of course. And within minutes of the schedule coming out, the grumbles started.
“Celtic punters are up in arms at the indignity of having Flag Day on the Sunday at half four, a full day after their old chums, Rangers, get up and running.
“It’s all to give Russell Martin a leg up, of course – except Celts have only actually kicked off a title defence on a Saturday once in the last five.”
Rangers need to get going in the Scottish Premiership
As Gannon says, although everyone has to play everyone, the matter of scheduling also causes some conflict for supporters.
Celtic may be annoyed about when their rivals kick off, but at this rate, Martin would probably be more appreciative of the extra 24 hours of preparation.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Celtic | 1 | 86 | 92 |
| Rangers | 2 | 39 | 75 |
Those at Ibrox must be prepared to silence this kind of outside noise and make sure their attention is fully fixed on the job facing them at Rangers.
There will always be claims flying around, but Martin needs to make sure his Rangers side do their talking on the pitch and show Celtic what they are made of next term.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.