Happy Hibs avoid three trips to Ibrox

title the following weekend against their old rival sat celtic Park.

League officials have actively sought to avoid a potential league-settling encounter between the Old Firm sides since crowd trouble marred an explosive derby in 1999, when Rangers won the title with a 3-0 win at Celtic Park.

Meanwhile, Hibs’ concerns about potentially being asked to visit Ibrox on three occasions have been heard. Neil Lennon’s side, who are bidding to finish second and record their highest league finish in over 40 years, host Rangers at Easter Road on the last day. Hearts have been sent to Ibrox three times instead, as have Kilmarnock.

The Gorgie club released a statement last night registering their disappointment and complaining about the “inherently imbalanced system” used to determine the fixtures. Rangers have already faced all five of their top six rivals twice at home.

In the first round of bottom-six fixtures, bottom club Partick Thistle will host Hamilton Accies in what’s set to be a poignant occasion and which has already been termed John Lambie tribute day. Lambie, who managed both clubs, passed away earlier this week at the age of 77.

Thistle and second bottom Ross County go head-to-head at Firhill on Friday 4 May, live on BT Sport.