SPL anxious to prevent an Celtic-Rangers title decider

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Parkhead first-team coach Tommy Burns has insisted that commercial and sporting interests would be best served by any winner-takes-all Old Firm derby.

But the SPL remain wary of any repeat of the infamous 1999 'Game of Shame' that saw referee Hugh Dallas hit by a coin and other crowd violence as Dick Advocaat's side clinched the title at Celtic's home.

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Aggression: Dallas keeps Rangers' Rod Wallace apart from a crowd of Celtic players during the volatile fixture

The weekend Scottish Cup results mean the first of three remaining Old Firm games will be at Ibrox on March 29 - with Rangers manager Walter Smith to serve the first of a two-match ban.

If Rangers progress in the UEFA Cup against Werder Bremen on Thursday, then two visits to Celtic Park will be scheduled after the SPL split on April 5.

But SPL secretary Ian Blair said: "We have to be very mindful of our wider responsibilities. I see what football people are saying about how it would be a great spectacle and a great climax to an exciting season.

"But, although I am secretary of a league, I have to look beyond football in discussion with the police and the clubs involved. We have to remember that the last time this happened, all the headlines and media coverage was centred on unsavoury events, rather than the actual football. 'If that happened again, it would not be good for the SPL.

"I am absolutely certain there will be a lot of drama and excitement attached to the remaining Old Firm game and, of course, you could argue that a league is decided over the course of 38 games rather than 90 minutes.

"At the moment, we have to wait and see if Rangers reach the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. If they do, then the first two midweeks of April are not available to us and thereafter the Scottish Cup semi-finals are scheduled.

"But I'd be very doubtful that we would artificially schedule a situation where three points either way clinches the championship for either club."

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Referee Dallas is treated after he was hit by a coin thrown from the Parkhead crowd

Smith has landed a two-match ban from the dugout from the SFA, but is clear to take his place at Hampden on Sunday for the CIS Cup Final with Dundee United.

The ban takes 14 days to kick in and the Rangers boss has indicated he will not appeal the punishment.

Meanwhile, Rangers will charge only £13 for adults for the Scottish Cup quarter-final with Partick Thistle on March 19, while one adult and child can see the game for £16.

Celtic's quarter-final replay with Aberdeen will be played on Tuesday, March 18, with a 7.45pm kick-off.