Partick Thistle to meet SPFL over Premiership fixtures dispute

Partick Thistle remain hopeful of resolving their fixtures dispute after securing a meeting with the Scottish Professional Football League.

The Firhill side are seeking compensation from the governing body after they were given just one home game against each of Celtic and Rangers when the 2016/17 fixtures were released earlier this month.

These matches are vital for the revenue of the club and Partick immediately launched a bid for compensation for the 'sporting disadvantage' caused.

It had been thought that the SPFL had ruled out a compensation package for Thistle but in a statement, the Premiership side strongly denied that is the case.

It read: "Contrary to press reports suggesting the SPFL has already decided there will be no compensation or fixtures changed, Thistle has secured a meeting with the SPFL this week to discuss the situation in more detail.

"We are also in touch with the other clubs in the League and will be arranging to meet them at a separate time. 

"We recognise that changing the fixture list now would be disruptive to fans. Reluctantly, we accept that there will be a sporting disadvantage in the coming season. However, we will press the SPFL to show how it intends to avoid this recurring in future. 

"As fixtures can't be changed, the question of compensation remains live for clubs affected. We look forward to a positive and robust exchange of views on this matter at the meeting.

"The board hopes that, despite media comment suggesting otherwise, the SPFL would not have agreed to a meeting if minds have already been made up on this important matter."