THE scheduled derby between Celtic and Rangers on January 2 is officially off after the SPFL ruled to bring the winter break forward.

Clubs had submitted their preferences from three options over when the winter break should kick-in as new capacity restrictions come into force from Boxing Day.

Nicola Sturgeon revealed new Scottish Government restrictions, with just 500 fans allowed in football stadia, on Tuesday which come into force on Boxing Day and last three weeks.

The Glasgow derby between Celtic and Rangers would've been under the restrictions meaning a fraction of the expected supporters inside Celtic Park.

But, the SPFL have now confirmed the winter break will begin after the Boxing Day fixtures with the December 29 and January 2 matchdays rescheduled.

Celtic were due to host Rangers on January 2 as part of the traditional New Year derby matches. But it has now been shifted to February 2.

It means the match will be played at 7.45pm with large coverage of the derby on Sky Sports.

It's gives a lifeline to fans of both clubs who will be desperate to attend the powderkeg clash.

The match will now fall after the three-week review of restrictions and should the Covid situation improve it could mean a full-crowd at Celtic Park.

However, the decision will be down to the Scottish Government on whether or not to extend or ease the curbs.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “We have had intense and positive discussions with all cinch SPFL clubs over the past 24 hours, since the announcement by the Scottish Government of a three-week period of restrictions on fans attending matches.

“We have advised our clubs that any postponements increase the risk of further disruption to an already highly congested fixture calendar.

“There are mixed views amongst cinch Premiership clubs about what to do for the best.

“However, a majority favour the postponement of fixtures to give a chance for games scheduled to be played over the festive period to be played in front of fans, once the three-week period of restrictions comes to an end.

“The SPFL Board has agreed to postpone the 29 December and New Year cinch Premiership fixture cards.

“cinch Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs voted to continue playing through the Government restrictions and we look forward to their festive fixtures over the next fortnight.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sky Sports and Police Scotland for their flexibility in accommodating these changes and to all cinch SPFL clubs for their clear, positive and constructive feedback as we work together to get through the challenges posed by Covid-19.”