Every year, the Scottish Premiership undergoes a split into two sections after the regular season's first 33 matches. This system, designed to create more excitement for the final rounds of the season, often sparks debates among fans and clubs alike about whether the fixture distribution is fair. Here’s an in-depth look at how these post-split fixtures are determined, and what factors influence the decisions.
How the Split Works and Its Origins
The Scottish Premiership has been using the split format since the 2000-01 season, when the league expanded to 12 teams. Prior to that, the league had only 10 clubs, playing each other four times for a total of 36 matches. However, with the introduction of 12 teams, the total number of games grew to 44, which many felt was too lengthy for a season. The split format was introduced to address this issue.
After teams play each other three times, the league divides into the top six and bottom six. The top six battle for the title and European spots, while the bottom six fight to avoid relegation. This split ensures that teams are playing meaningful matches in the final rounds, but it also creates challenges in scheduling and fairness.
Key Factors in Fixture Scheduling
The decision about who plays whom, where, and when, is not random. It is carefully decided by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) in consultation with key stakeholders, such as broadcasters and law enforcement. These fixtures must balance several factors, including TV broadcast rights, public safety, and the fairness of the competition.
Home/Away Imbalances
One of the most common issues that arises after the split is the imbalance in home and away games. Ideally, each team should have an equal number of home and away fixtures by the end of the season. However, this is not always possible. For example, this season, Falkirk, who have outperformed expectations, will have 20 home games, while Livingston will have 18. These discrepancies are often unavoidable but are carefully managed by the SPFL to minimize their impact on the title race and relegation battles.
Fixture Reversals
Another significant consideration is the reversal of fixtures. Sometimes, certain teams will play each other more times at home than away, or vice versa. This is especially true in the top six, where teams like Falkirk will host Rangers and Hibernian for a third time, while traveling to Celtic Park and Tynecastle for their third visits. These reversals, while controversial, are a necessary part of the split system and are adjusted to minimize disruption to the crucial end-of-season competitions.
The Influence of TV and Public Safety
Television rights play a substantial role in shaping the fixture schedule, with networks like Premier Sports and Sky Sports selecting games for live broadcasts. These decisions are influenced by the need to showcase exciting matchups and ensure that the most popular teams are represented. For example, Celtic's home game against Falkirk was scheduled for broadcast on Saturday, April 25, and as a result, the Rangers vs. Motherwell match had to be moved to Sunday.
Additionally, public safety concerns come into play, especially when it comes to city derbies. The SPFL works closely with law enforcement to ensure that matches between rival clubs, like the Old Firm, do not take place on the same day in the same city. This coordination is vital to prevent overcrowding and potential security risks.
Balancing the Final Day Fixtures
A final key issue is deciding who plays at home on the final day of the season. For instance, in the 2020-2021 season, some Hearts fans were unhappy to learn that their team would travel to Celtic Park for the final match, rather than hosting the game. The SPFL explained that they awarded Celtic a home match because they had three home fixtures after the split, while Hearts and Rangers only had two.
The SPFL also had to consider other factors such as avoiding multiple local derbies on the same day and ensuring fair recovery times between matches. As a result, the fixture scheduling for the final day is carefully crafted to maintain balance and excitement, ensuring that clubs with title aspirations or relegation fears are not unfairly disadvantaged.
Conclusion: A Complex Balancing Act
In conclusion, while the post-split fixture process might seem straightforward, it involves careful consideration of multiple factors, from home and away imbalances to the influence of TV and public safety concerns. The SPFL must balance the needs of the clubs, broadcasters, and fans to create a fair and exciting end to the season. However, as the recent debates show, it’s a task that will never completely satisfy everyone involved.
