Celtic and Rangers are at odds over the fixtures

Celtic and Rangers have both accused the Scottish Premier League of unfairness in their plans to avoid end-of-season fixture chaos.

Rangers say it is unfair to ask them to play four games in eight days.

But Celtic claim that delaying the final fixtures by four days compromises the competition's integrity.

Dundee United have also criticised the plan, saying that changing the date for the league finale would hit clubs and supporters financially.

Rangers have a backlog of fixtures following postponements for international fixtures, waterlogged pitches and following the death of Motherwell midfielder Phil O'Donnell.

The SPL has reacted by producing two sets of fixtures depending on whether Rangers defeat Fiorentina in their semi-final, the first leg of which takes place at Ibrox on Thursday.

Rangers are the only club being asked to play four games in eight days, so there is no sporting integrity Rangers chief executive Martin Bain

But "bitterly disappointed" Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: "The SPL cite the preservation of sporting integrity in their decision.

"Yet Rangers are the only club being asked to play four games in eight days, so there is no sporting integrity.

The SPL stated that it was trying to help Rangers in their quest for European glory.

But Bain said: "It is hardly the best preparation in the lead-up to the Uefa Cup final - if we get there - to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday in advance of that.

"So I don't see what the SPL have done for Rangers in terms of aiding them in European competition."

Rangers pointed out that the last time a Scottish team reached the Uefa Cup final - Celtic in 2003 - "a fixture was moved to give them a full week to prepare".

Rangers had wanted the season delayed until 27 May, but even delaying it until 22 May disappointed Celtic.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "We do not want to disadvantage Rangers should they reach the Uefa Cup final, but we are extremely disappointed and concerned at the manner of the decision-making process - which was done without consultation with the clubs or the SPL board - and the effects on the integrity of the competition.

"In addition, this decision, which will cause a great deal of inconvenience to our supporters and to five other clubs, will also mean that Celtic would have a gap of 11 days before playing our final league fixture.

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"A number of our key first-team players are also due to go on international duty immediately after our scheduled final league game against Dundee United on Sunday, 18 May.

"In principle, we accept fixture flexibility. However, the league must not be compromised by changing the rules during the course of the competition and these decisions should not be made on an ad-hoc basis.

"Therefore, we oppose the decision and feel, in fact, that it has compromised the integrity of the competition."

Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson said he was deeply concerned by the four-day delay in playing the final group of matches, when United are due to face title-chasing Celtic.