Fixtures boss boasts about schedule
been itching for the SPFL schedule to be released, so they can see when the f irst Old Firm game wi l l take place. We are really proud and excited that the SPFL used GotSoccer Pro to create it.”
Owen-Thomas, who has a Uefa A licence coaching qualif ication, founded GotSoccer 20 years ago.
He added: “We have major clients in the US but to sign deals with major leagues from five of the world’s top international ly ranked soccer nations is a milestone.
“Rangers v Celtic is one of the world’s great sporting rivalries and the 2016-2017 SPFL season is the most hotly anticipated in years, as Rangers return to the Scottish top flight after a four-year absence.”
The December 31 Ibrox date sparkedspa controversy whenwh it was announced by league chiefs and was thenth backed by Police Scotland.Sc
The approval of the fixture,fix scheduled to kick off aat 12.15pm, met with widespread disbelief from fans, politicians and the licensed trade.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association have branded the date as “senseless”.
And Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele described it as “insanity on a stick”.
But it was given the green light after a three-way agreement was reached between league chiefs, broadcasters Sky and the police.
An SPFL source said there would be no U-turn – despite the criticism.
Nightclub boss Donald Macleod, who is convenor of the Glasgow Licensing Forum, said: “I can only speculate how much they had to drink before they started scribbling on the back of this napkin.
“So, what we have here is Scotland’s businesses and public safety on one of the busiest days of the year being at the mercy of a computer programme which was devised on a piece of tissue. You couldn’t make it up.”
When the Sunday Mail contacted Owen-Thomas, he sent an emailed response which read: “Please contact Iain Blair at the SPFL.”
Rangers and Celtic meet in the League Cup semi- f inal at Hampden on Sunday, October 23.
Public safety is at the mercy of a computer programme