Celtic hope for clarity on league 'as soon as possible'

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has said the club want to play their remaining Premiership fixtures to seal the league title, and hope the SPFL can provide clarity on solutions to their fixture problem.

The league shut down due to the coronavirus crisis with Celtic top of the league and on course for a ninth successive Premiership title, 13 points ahead of nearest challengers Rangers, who have a game in hand.

The football authorities have been speaking to clubs regularly but, with no expected date for a return to playing, the SPFL could face a difficult decision on how to resolve issues around title winners, promotion and relegation if they cannot complete fixtures.

In a statement published on the club’s website, Lawwell stressed that the spread of the virus mean a “worrying time” for all and said that health and well-being was “of paramount importance”.

On the problems facing the league and the uncertainty surrounding issues around the title, he made it clear that Celtic wanted to play games if possible but were opposed to making the season “null and void” if rescheduled games were not possible.

He said: “With regard to the present domestic Premiership League situation, our strong preference is, of course, to complete all remaining matches.

“To date, we have had a magnificent campaign, undefeated in this calendar year, completing 30 league matches already to create a commanding lead and we are now on the cusp of winning our ninth successive title.

“As many have already said, the season cannot be voided as the consequences of that are so severe. In the event that the matches cannot be completed, then the responsibility to find a fair and reasonable solution for the finalisation of all domestic leagues will be with the Scottish football governing bodies.

“We hope that the governing bodies are able to provide some clarity to clubs and supporters as soon as possible on the way forward, although we appreciate that this is a hugely demanding time.

“During such a difficult period, we also extend our thoughts to all other football clubs who are affected by these events and facing such uncertainty. We realise the hugely damaging effect these circumstances will have on clubs of all sizes across Scotland, Europe and beyond.

“The health of everyone in football and society is always the priority, but we hope clubs find a way through these testing times and ensure that the game we all love can thrive again as soon as possible.”