Motherwell CEO Alan Burrows insists rearranging the Rangers and Celtic clash played no part in moving the winter break.

The Premiership went into cold storage early as the three week winter break was brought forward amid new Scottish Government guidelines.

The restrictions put in place by Holyrood would have allowed just 500 fans inside top flight grounds for the clash at Ibrox, as well as the Edinburgh derby and Ayrshire derby.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Tuesday that fans would be increased when the league campaign restarts.

And following the decision from Holyrood, Fir Park chief Burrows insists Celtic 's trip across Glasgow was not a factor on the rest of the divisions final call.

He told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard: "The overwhelming majority of clubs wanted it.

“The tribal nature of Scottish football means people think there was some sort of agenda behind it.

“A lot of people see decisions in Scottish football through the prism of the Old Firm.

“That January 2 Old Firm match seemed to dominate people’s thinking.

“I can tell you, unequivocally, and I speak for the people I spoke to at clubs, that their consideration had nothing to do with the Old Firm game.

“Every club I spoke to considered their own fans getting to see matches, while trying to protect their income.

“We had a chance to bring the break forward to get fans in and we took it. Overall, it’s welcome news for everyone. I am delighted.

“There is no doubt that had fans not been allowed to come back, there would have been a bit of ‘I told you so’ from certain camps. I understand how tribal we are in Scotland.

“But clubs like Motherwell were focused on making sure as many fixtures as possible took place in front of live crowds. Supporters are our unique selling point, they are the fabric of the game and that was our focus.

“I don’t know if vindicated is the right word as that sounds like you are trying to get one up on someone.”