Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

1998–99 Scottish Premier League

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Season
  
1998–99

Promoted
  
Dundee

Intertoto Cup
  
None

Champion
  
Rangers F.C.

Goals scored
  
471 (12px26)

Champions
  
Rangers

Champions League
  
Rangers

Start date
  
1998

Relegated
  
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.

1998–99 Scottish Premier League

UEFA Cup
  
Celtic St Johnstone Kilmarnock

People also search for
  
1999–2000 Scottish Premier League

The 1998–99 Scottish Premier League season was the inaugural season of Scottish Premier League football. It began on 1 August 1998.

Contents

Rangers finished the season as Scottish Premier League champions, gaining them their 48th Scottish top division title. Dunfermline Athletic were relegated in bottom place, being replaced by Scottish Division One champions Hibernian.

Overview

The 1998–99 Scottish Premier League season ended in success for Rangers who, managed by Dutchman Dick Advocaat, won the title by six points from nearest rivals Celtic. Dunfermline Athletic were relegated after three seasons in the top division. As champions, Rangers qualified for the Champions League while Celtic were joined by St Johnstone in qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Fourth placed Kilmarnock also gained a UEFA Cup place via the UEFA Fair Play ranking.

The season began on 1 August 1998 with the first SPL goal scored by Aberdeen's Eoin Jess as they defeated newly promoted Dundee 2–0 at Dens Park. Also on the first day of the season, Craig Burley scored the SPL's first hat-trick as defending champions Celtic defeated Dunfermline Athletic 5–0 at Celtic Park.

1998–99 saw the introduction of a three-week break during January, which was well received by both players and managers. In its inaugural year, the SPL was broadcast to over 120 countries worldwide, while attendances increased and more money was invested in youth development than ever before. A new Scottish transfer record was also set as Rangers paid Fiorentina £5.5m for former Manchester United and Everton winger Andrei Kanchelskis.

Rangers clinched the SPL title by beating Old Firm-rivals Celtic 3–0 at Celtic Park. Three players were red-carded during the game and referee Hugh Dallas was struck by a coin thrown by a Celtic supporter and required treatment from paramedics on the field.

Promotion and relegation from 1997–98

Promoted from First Division to Premier League

  • Dundee
  • Relegated from Premier Division to First Division

  • Hibernian
  • Events

  • March 11: The Scottish Premier League agrees a two-year sponsorship deal with Bank of Scotland
  • May 2: Rangers win the title after defeating Celtic 3–0 at Celtic Park.
  • League table

    Source: SPL official website

    Matches 1–18

    During matches 1–18 each team plays every other team twice (home and away).

    Source: Soccerbase
    ^ The home team is listed in the left-hand column.
    Colours: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
    For coming matches, an a indicates there is an article about the match.

    Matches 19–36

    During matches 19–36 each team plays every other team a further two times (home and away).

    Source: Soccerbase
    ^ The home team is listed in the left-hand column.
    Colours: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
    For coming matches, an a indicates there is an article about the match.

    Top scorers

    Source: SPL official website

    Attendances

    The average attendances for SPL clubs during the 1998–99 season are shown below:

    Source: SPL official website

    References

    1998–99 Scottish Premier League Wikipedia