Celtic have been privately briefed by the SPFL that they haven’t yet won the title due to the imminent liquidation of Hearts.
Over the weekend it was confirmed by Bryan Jackson of BDO that the cash strapped Jambos don’t have enough money to survive beyond the end of April and could be liquidated before then if UBIG reject a CVA when creditors of the Lithuanian bank meet on April 7.
If the SPFL don’t receive guarantees from Hearts by April 12 that they can complete the season an updated league table will be produced removing the results of the Edinburgh side.
All season the SPFL have been keeping two league tables, one without Hearts results included, with all clubs kept aware of the scenario should the Jambos go pop.
Celtic will be one of the big losers from that having wiped the floor with the Gorgie mob taking nine points out of nine from three games against Gary Locke’s side.
In contrast Aberdeen have lost twice to Hearts- who they play tomorrow night- meaning that Celtic drop back nine points closer to second placed Aberdeen.
With Celtic’s lead cut down to 17 points with six games to go the hoops would have to win at Dundee United on Saturday to ensure the title beyond any doubt.
If Celtic fail to win at Dundee United and Aberdeen beat Hibs 48 hours later the title race will be extended into the split with Celtic 14 points clear going into the remaining five matches.
The post split fixtures will be released later this week with Celtic’s first match expected to be a trip to face Inverness Caley Thistle on April 19 with an 11.30am kick off with the match being televised live on Sky Sports.
If the results against Hearts are removed Leigh Griffith’s first goal for Celtic will be removed from the record books, the striker was reported to be devastated at the news that he could lose that goal.
The loss of Hearts will also effect the bottom of the table with all points gained against the Edinburgh side removed from St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Hibs but who gives a toss for any of those clubs.