AliousAlly McCoist has reignited debate around Scottish football’s title run-in, reviving his long-standing suspicions about Celtic FC—but this time framing it through the controversy surrounding the post-split fixture list.
With just three points separating Heart of Midlothian FC, Rangers FC, and Celtic at the summit, the Scottish Premiership is heading toward a dramatic finale.
However, the fixture schedule for the final five matches has sparked frustration—particularly for McCoist, who believes it raises more than a few eyebrows.
Before the split fixtures were even confirmed, it was already known that both Rangers and Hearts would have to travel to Celtic Park.
That reality was cemented when the league finalized the schedule, with Hearts set to make a controversial final-day trip to Glasgow’s east end—breaking from long-standing tradition.
Rangers, meanwhile, have been handed another hurdle, playing three of their last five matches away from home, including a tricky closing clash.
Initially furious, McCoist suggested Celtic’s influence over the game remained strong, even hinting that the Hoops were effectively “running” Scottish football.
He also floated the idea that the title race could be indirectly shaped on the final day, with rivals potentially having little incentive to deny Rangers the crown.Yet, speaking more reflectively, McCoist conceded that fixture planners face an impossible balancing act.
Every title contender has something to complain about, and achieving a perfectly even split of home and away games remains unrealistic. Still, he stressed that excuses won’t win titles—only results will.
Despite softening his stance on the scheduling process, McCoist remains uneasy about two key scenarios. The first revolves around the final-day showdown at Celtic Park, where the outcome could hinge on what’s at stake for Celtic or Hearts—and whether competitive integrity holds firm under pressure.
The second concern centers on Falkirk FC and their potential involvement in the Scottish Cup Final. Alongside Charlie Mulgrew, McCoist pointed out the risk that Falkirk—if they reach the final—might rotate players in their league clash with Rangers to avoid injuries.
Even without deliberate weakening, the psychological factor of players protecting themselves ahead of a major final could tilt the balance.McCoist acknowledged the logic behind that approach, admitting that any manager in that position would prioritize silverware over league formalities if little else is at stake.Ultimately, while he has tempered his criticism of the fixture makers, McCoist’s broader concern hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply evolved.
Between a potentially compromised final day and Falkirk’s looming cup distraction, he believes the title race could yet be shaped by circumstances beyond pure footballing merit.As Mulgrew bluntly put it:
this season’s finale is shaping up to be “interesting”—for all the right, and possibly wrong, reasons.
Alious
