Rangers rebuffed in fixture plea as SPL refuse to extend season

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Rangers had called for the SPL to allow them to postpone Saturday's match against Dundee United, to allow Walter Smith's side extra time to prepare for next week's UEFA Cup final.

More Rangers news

That could have led to the final round of SPL games being played on the date designated for the Scottish Cup showpiece between Rangers and Queen of the South, and the Hampden clash being postponed until a later date.

Scroll down for more

Nacho Novo sends Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final with the winning penalty against Fiorentina

There now seems little chance of the United game being moved back, as Rangers have a hectic run of games to come before the end of the season.

SPL and Scottish Football Association officials met on Tuesday morning but could not find a viable way to alter the fixture programme.

Rangers take on Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday, then welcome United to Govan in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday - four days before their European final against Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester Stadium.

After Rangers' goalless draw against Hibernian at Easter Road two days ago, which began a run of eight games in 21 days for the Glasgow club, manager Walter Smith criticised the SPL for not offering the quadruple hopefuls any help to prepare for their first European final in 36 years.

Today, SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said: "The SFA indicated that they wished to discuss whether there was any help they could provide.

"We met this morning to explore the available options, including a review of the Scottish Cup final date.

"The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. But no viable alternatives to the fixture list issued on April 22 emerged that did not place the integrity of the SPL competition at risk.

"Given the stage we have now reached in our competition, both in terms of the title chase and in relation to the European places, it is not possible to modify the closing date of the season without placing at serious risk the fairness to all of our competition.

"The season will end on Thursday, May 22."