SPFL: Championship final-day fixtures switch will stand

Falkirk chairman Doug Henderson said the fixtures switch was 'inconsiderate to fans'

The Bairns slammed the move which is a result of Rangers’ clash at St Mirren being broadcast live on BT Sport with a 12.30pm kick-off.

Falkirk claimed in a statement today that switching all games to the Sunday was unfair on fans and would result in clubs losing money.

Chairman Doug Henderson said: “We understand why the SPFL wanted to change the dates so that all the final day games took place at the same time. The reality is that none of the teams competing for the play-offs would be disadvantaged by allowing their games to take place on the Saturday.

“This decision is inconsiderate of our fans, not only because of the switch to a less convenient day, but also because end-of season supporters’ events have been planned for the Saturday. Clubs will lose out considerably at the gates and through the loss of hospitality.

“We are going through the proper channels to ask the SPFL to change its position – there’s still time to reverse their decision and respect the wishes of our fans.”

But Hampden chiefs insisted there would be no U-turn and hit back, saying: “All Ladbrokes Championship clubs were advised last Thursday that live broadcast selections for round 36 would be published on April 4 and that if a game was to be selected for live broadcast, all Ladbrokes Championship fixtures would be rescheduled to the live broadcast kick-off date and time.

“No comments were received from any club ahead of the announcement on April 4 of the rescheduling.

“With the potential for St Mirren’s result to have a bearing on final league places impacting on a large number of clubs, there is a clear need for a single kick-off time in the spirit of sporting fairness.

“We announced this decision at the earliest opportunity, rather than delay, to give supporters as much notice as possible. There will be no change to the schedule advised yesterday – all of the final day Ladbrokes Championship fixtures will take place on Sunday, May 1 with a 12.30pm kick-off.”