Hugh Keevins has raised concerns about the Scottish Premiership fixture scheduling and its impact on Rangers, describing it as a significant “commercial blow” for the club.

Keevins, a prominent sports journalist, has pointed out that the timing of Rangers’ match against St. Johnstone, as set by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), could have serious repercussions for the club’s revenue and broader commercial interests.

The fixture in question is scheduled during a period that may not align with peak viewership times or may clash with other significant events, potentially reducing the match’s visibility and attractiveness to broadcasters and sponsors.

Such scheduling issues could adversely affect matchday revenue, including ticket sales, hospitality, and associated commercial activities.

For a club like Rangers, which has a massive fan base and a strong commercial presence, this could result in considerable financial implications.

Keevins suggests that this scheduling decision could undermine Rangers’ commercial strategy, which relies heavily on maximizing matchday revenue and commercial partnerships. The timing of games can significantly impact television ratings and, by extension, the revenue from broadcasting rights.

If the match is scheduled at a time when fewer fans are likely to tune in, or when it conflicts with other major sporting events, the financial returns from such fixtures could be diminished.

Additionally, the commercial blow could extend beyond immediate financial losses. It could potentially impact Rangers’ negotiations with sponsors and broadcasters, as consistently poor scheduling might lead to decreased interest and lower investment in the club’s media rights and sponsorship deals. Over time, this could affect the club’s overall financial health and its ability to compete at the highest levels.

Keevins’ criticism highlights a broader issue of how fixture scheduling impacts clubs, particularly those with substantial commercial operations like Rangers.

The SPFL’s scheduling decisions must balance a range of factors, including television requirements, fan convenience, and fairness to all clubs.

However, Keevins’ comments underscore the need for careful consideration of how these schedules can impact clubs’ financial well-being.

The scheduling of Rangers’ Premiership fixture against St. Johnstone, as criticized by Hugh Keevins, could represent a substantial commercial setback for the club.

The timing of this match could influence matchday revenues and broader commercial interests, affecting Rangers’ financial stability and competitive edge.

This situation underscores the importance of thoughtful fixture scheduling in maintaining the financial health of football clubs.