Martin O’Neill responds to Celtic fixture issues as Ally McCoist’s claim is rejected

Martin O’Neill has dismissed claims of unfair advantage in Celtic F.C.’s post-split fixtures after Ally McCoist suggested the champions were “running Scottish football.”

The Celtic boss rejected suggestions that his side had benefited from an easier schedule, despite being handed three home games in the run-in, including a final-day clash with Hearts.

Speaking on radio, O’Neill explained the fixture arrangement was purely down to scheduling requirements and external factors, such as events in Glasgow, rather than any bias. He stressed that the structure ensures each team plays an equal number of home and away matches over the season.

O’Neill also insisted the title race remains wide open, with Celtic still chasing the top spot and facing tough fixtures against Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell.