The fallout from the SPFL ticket allocation row is still hanging over this title race — and for many on the Rangers side, it feels like Celtic got their way.
The controversy centred on Celtic’s decision to attach conditions to Rangers’ away allocation for the upcoming Old Firm clash, specifically the exclusion of the Union Bears. When Rangers pushed back, the matter went to the SPFL, who ultimately backed Celtic’s stance on safety grounds.
That decision didn’t sit well across the divide. Many Rangers supporters viewed it as the league siding with Celtic in a way that disrupted the agreed balance between the clubs. Whether you see it as a necessary safety measure or a one-sided call, the outcome is the same — Celtic got the terms they wanted.
And now, just days later, there’s a fresh twist.
Celtic have been hit with a significant blow ahead of their crucial trip to Hibernian, with Martin O’Neill confirming that Tomáš Čvančara could be done for the season.
The on-loan striker, who arrived in January from Borussia Mönchengladbach, hasn’t featured in the last two matchday squads. Now, the reason is clear — and it’s not encouraging.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash, O’Neill revealed the Czech forward is dealing with a groin issue that may require surgery.
“He’s got a bit of a groin strain,” O’Neill said. “They’re talking about the possibility of getting it seen to now. We’ll have a look at that. When I say get it seen to, that might involve a small operation or something like that. But we don’t know yet at this minute. He has to go for some more tests.
“If he had the operation, then you definitely wouldn’t see him again. But I’d like the specialist to have another look at it.”
It’s the kind of update Celtic could really do without.
Čvančara hasn’t set the league alight, but he’s still contributed — two goals in nine appearances — and, more importantly, he offered a natural option through the middle at a time when Celtic are already stretched.
Right now, Daizen Maeda is leading the line, despite being more naturally suited to a wide role. Kelechi Iheanacho has been used off the bench, while fellow loanee Junior Adamu has yet to make a convincing case for a regular spot.
In short, options are limited — and getting thinner.
Timing, as always, is everything. With the title race on a knife edge and no margin for error, losing another attacking option at this stage could have a real impact.
Celtic head to Easter Road knowing they need three points to keep pace. Hibs, chasing their own ambitions, won’t make it easy — and without a fully fit squad, the challenge becomes even steeper.
So while the debate over the SPFL decision continues to simmer, attention now shifts back to the pitch.
Because whatever happened off it, Celtic still have to get the job done on it — and suddenly, that task just got a little bit harder.