‘Huge’ – Celtic Exclusive: Bruce reacts to SPFL update
Alex Bruce insists that Celtic should be crowned champions this season if the SPFL use their newly-granted powers to end the campaign early.
The former Kilmarnock defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says it was inevitable the Bhoys would go on and finish top before the league was suspended.
Following the immediate cancellation of the bottom three tiers of the Scottish leagues, UEFA’s guidelines, published on Thursday, give power to the SPFL to do the same in the Premiership.
With Celtic on course to be confirmed as champions for another season, Bruce insists that their rivals can have few complaints over the decision after they opened a 13-point gap to second-placed Rangers.
Asked if the Hoops should be considered as having won the title if the season is cut short, Bruce told Football Insider: “Of course. I think it was inevitable they were going to go and win the league.
“They were by far the outstanding team and if they aren’t given the title this season it would be a huge blow for them because they deserve it.
“They’ve ultimately done everything right with their performances, the way they’ve handled themselves has been correct and obviously they don’t need to say anything – they’re sat at the top of the league very comfortable.
“I think everybody knows it was only a matter of time before they won the league. It wasn’t as though there was a one-point lead. Celtic were undoubtedly going to go on and win the league.”
UEFA have urged all member associations to explore “all possible options” to complete their top domestic competitions, including the possibility of restarting the season under a “different format”.
However, they go on to state that there may be legitimate reasons to bring this season to a premature end.
In other Celtic news, Alan Hutton admits he can see why one Parkhead star wants to leave the club in the summer.