This week has seen plenty of discussion about the prospect of the Old Firm joining the English Premier League. This is a ridiculous proposition for a number of reasons - including the possible threat it would have to the Scottish and Welsh football teams. If Celtic and Rangers played in the EPL, the possibility of FIFA saying there should be a UK team would increase. Then no Scottish players would get a chance to fail at World Cup or European qualifying again.
Also - we must remember how the Rangers fans behaved in Manchester at the UEFA Cup final. A disgrace. We already have a rising problem again amongst English fans for trouble - and inviting the Scots to join in would see a huge increase in costs for police.
Ultimately England doesn't need Rangers and Celtic as much as they need the EPL cash. Maybe they will look at joining a Scandanavian league or north european conference.
While the arguments against this proposal are so strong - and it was rightly rejected by Premier Legaue chiefs on Thursday, there is one key element that will decide whether it ever happens. Sky TV. If the broadcaster feels more money can be made by having the Old Firm in the league, they will join. One thing is certain in modern football - and that's that TV money talks the loudest.
Give it five years more of Chelsea or Man United winning the league and the pressure for change will increase.
If SKY want it - it will happen.
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This idea comes up every few years, but I strongly doubt whether it'll ever happen. You're right, Rangers and Celtic are just desperate for money, Rangers in particular are essentially in administration at the moment, and the wage bill of either club is well below the better funded Championship teams, let alone those in the Premier League.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that Rangers and Celtic would add a certain extra excitement to the Premier League, but that novelty would wear off. They do both have large fanbases and the money they would generate would outweigh any extra policing costs.
But with Manchester City about to change the line-up at the top of the Premier League, I don't see much appetite for change in England. Perhaps if Manchester United had won the league at a canter for the last ten years they might think about it, maybe if City do exactly that this idea will be back on the table!