Hibs lodge League complaint

Rangers' final Scottish Championship game, against Hearts at Tynecastle, was moved back to Sunday, May 3, 24 hours after Hibs close their regular season against Falkirk.

The difference could potentially give Rangers the chance to weigh up exactly what they need to do against Hearts to ensure a second-placed finish, and avoid a play-off game against the fourth-placed team.

Hibs will now seek Falkirk's permission to move their final game, which would then have implications on Queen of the South, who are also aiming to make the top four. They finish their season against relegation-threatened Livingston, meaning the SPFL could be forced to move the entire fixture card.

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster said in a statement: "In previous seasons, the league has ensured that all of the final round fixtures are played at the same time.

"I have been in contact with the SPFL following its announcement that one final round fixture would kick off after all the other results are known.

"I have reminded them in very clear terms that - as the organiser of the competition - the responsibility for protecting its unimpeachable sporting integrity lies with them."

The row overshadowed the publication of the post-split fixtures in the Premiership, which mean Celtic have no more Saturday league games until the end of the season.

The leaders face nearest rivals Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday, May 10 in the biggest fixture, although the title could be clinched before then.

They also face Friday night games at home to Dundee and away to St Johnstone as well as two Sunday games.

The season finishes with a Dundee derby at Tannadice on May 24 while Celtic host Inverness and St Johnstone visit Aberdeen.

The post-split action kicks off on Friday, April 24 when Motherwell visit neighbours Hamilton looking to cut the gap on the teams above them as they bid to avoid a relegation play-off.

The Steelmen then host Ross County and Kilmarnock, in another Friday night game. They close their league season at home to Partick Thistle while Kilmarnock play County at Rugby Park. Those matches are due to be played on Saturday, May 23 but the SPFL advised that they could be moved to Friday night.