Ally McCoist faces backlash after furious SPFL rant labelled ‘rubbish’

Ally McCoist has been told he was wide of the mark in his outspoken criticism of the SPFL’s post-split fixture list, after suggesting Celtic were effectively running Scottish football.

The Rangers legend had questioned why Celtic would host Hearts on the final day while Rangers face a third trip to Falkirk. However, the structure of the schedule ensures each side completes the campaign with an even split of 19 home and 19 away matches, with the title race still delicately poised.

Rangers sit second, just a point behind leaders Hearts, and the two are due to meet again at Tynecastle next month in what could prove decisive.

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has dismissed McCoist’s claims in no uncertain terms, insisting there is no evidence of bias in how the fixtures have been arranged. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness argued the criticism was misplaced and risked undermining McCoist’s standing.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We all like Ally McCoist to a degree, but I’m afraid this is rubbish.

“I looked at the mathematical formulas around the scheduling of these post-split games. And there is no bias whatsoever in this at all. And it is the classic Rangers, Celtic Divide, I’m afraid.

“If somebody said it was black, the others would say it was white. And that’s the case it is. I’m afraid McCoist has lost a little bit of credibility in saying that. I thought he was above all that sort of partisanship.

“You can’t take it out on him. He’s blue through and through. But I’m afraid he’s wrong in this case, and if he had a look at the mathematics, he’d understand the case behind it.”

Wyness added that Rangers may yet have the momentum to seize the title, having won their last four matches, including a commanding six-goal display against Falkirk.

Celtic, guided by the experienced Martin O’Neill, remain dangerous, though recent inconsistency leaves questions. Meanwhile, Hearts, led by Derek McInnes, continue to set the pace as they chase a historic triumph.