SPL reveal extension plans - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

SPL reveal extension plans

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League season will be extended by four days to May 22 if Rangers reach the UEFA Cup final.

The Scottish Premier League have revealed two provisional fixture lists, one which will be implemented if Rangers beat Fiorentina in their European semi-final, and the other for if they are beaten by the Italians.

Both fixture lists include a run of two SPL games in three days for Rangers, who would have to play the Scottish Cup final two days after their final league game if their European run continues.

If they miss out on the UEFA Cup final, which takes place on May 14 at the City of Manchester Stadium, Rangers must play St Mirren on May 13 and May 15.

That would allow the season to end on schedule, on May 18.

However should Rangers overcome Fiorentina those dates would become unsuitable.

Walter Smith's side would instead face Motherwell on May 17, rather than travel to Aberdeen the following day, which was due to be their final game of the campaign according to the original fixture list.

They would then play St Mirren on Tuesday, May 20, and face Aberdeen on Thursday, May 22 - two days before their Scottish Cup final date with Queen of the South.

The other matches involving top-six sides - Dundee United v Celtic and Hibernian v Motherwell - would also be played on May 22 to ensure the season finishes for each club at the same time.

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