The league leaders have not been awarded the expected final day game awarded to the table toppers
(Image: SNS Group)
Hearts final day Premiership clash with Celtic has seen the SPFL ditch a long-running tradition of giving the league leaders a final day home game.
The battle between league leaders Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is set to go to the wire with just three points separating the sides with just one game to go before the league splits.
With the top and bottom six sides already decided, league bosses have fast-tracked the reveal of the final five fixtures and announced the key dates on Tuesday.
Martin O’Neill’s men will host both of their title rivals at Celtic Park – with table-topping Hearts travelling to Glasgow’s East End on the final day of the campaign, with the title potentially up for grabs.
However, in 15 of the last 16 seasons the team that entered the split top of the pile has landed a home tie to round off the campaign.
The only time the unwritten rule was binned during that time period was in 2013, as the Hoops rounded off the campaign at Tannadice against Dundee United.
SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie – who was in charge of curating the fixture list – explained the decision.
He said: “Celtic have been given a home match on the final day of the season, partly because they have three home matches post-split and Hearts and Rangers only have two.
“In recent seasons we have been able to have the club at the top of the table entering into the split at home on the final day.
“However, that has not been possible on this occasion due to the number of competing constraints and the most exciting title race in years making each fixture round very unpredictable.
“We have a fantastic final day to look forward to with Celtic and Hearts facing off at Celtic Park, Rangers travelling to a Falkirk side that have been one of the success stories of the season and a potential battle for European spots at Easter Road.”
Final day fixtures
2025
Celtic
Home
St Mirren
2024
Celtic
Home
St Mirren
2023
Celtic
Home
Aberdeen
2022
Celtic
Home
Motherwell
2021
Rangers
Home
Aberdeen
2019
Celtic
Home
Hearts
2018
Celtic
Home
Aberdeen
2017
Celtic
Home
Hearts
2016
Celtic
Home
Motherwell
2015
Celtic
Home
Inverness
2014
Celtic
Home
Dundee Utd
2013
Celtic
Away
Dundee Utd
2012
Celtic
Home
Hearts
2011
Celtic
Home
Motherwell
2010
Rangers
Home
Motherwell
2009
Celtic
Home
Hearts
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