Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson has released a statement claiming that any attempt to finish the league season early “impacts upon the integrity of sport in Scotland”.
The Ibrox club has released the statement “for the avoidance of doubt” amid claims from Celtic manager Neil Lennon that the title should go to Parkhead if the season is halted.
Reports are also claiming that the SPFL is set to award the title to Celtic and relegate Hearts [Gavin Wallace] but Rangers are adamant they will not accept this resolution.
Reiterating that the discussion and football are “secondary to the health and well-being of the citizens of the United Kingdom”, Stewart Robertson has felt it necessary to reassure supporters of the club’s stance.
Stewart Robertson statement in full:
Rangers are continuing to monitor the ongoing situation regarding Coronavirus and its impact on football at all levels.
I reiterate Steven Gerrard’s comments this morning that football is secondary to the health and well-being of the citizens of the United Kingdom. Life is precious and as a society, we must endeavour to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable in our community. As a club, we will continue to follow government guidelines and advice relating to the health and safety of all members of staff.
It is our firm view that this season’s league competition (2019/20) is only complete when all 38 games are played by all teams. For the avoidance of doubt, we believe that final standings can only be confirmed when all games have been completed, not before. Any attempt to finish the season with a significant amount of games still to play, impacts upon the integrity of sport in Scotland.
Furthermore, we are strongly opposed to playing games behind closed doors. Rangers fans have stuck by our club in the darkest of times. Their loyalty will not be forgotten and they will not be left behind.
We are cognisant of the uncertainty surrounding the future of many businesses and peoples jobs because of a potential lengthy extended break. We must be mindful that football goes well beyond the result of a match. Football brings us all together, it provides countless people with a livelihood and we will work to ensure no one runs roughshod over people’s lives.
We will continue to maintain a watchful eye on the decisions of footballs governing bodies. Let me reassure the fans that we will not be found wanting in this situation.
The comments have been warmly received by Rangers fans who appreciate the club taking the time to allay fears over Celtic’s apparent determination to be awarded a title they have not yet earned.
Robertson’s comments on sporting integrity are also a nudge to the comments of Celtic chief Peter Lawwell in 2008, who used the defence to prevent the league season being extended after Rangers qualified for the UEFA Cup Final.
The club’s supporters have taken to Twitter to praise the Glasgow club for their response and to back the official stance of the Ibrox side:
https://twitter.com/DW_1872/status/1239596758625398787
https://twitter.com/1873Rickster/status/1239595177263738883
https://twitter.com/OhItsSteely/status/1239597370880425984
https://twitter.com/amsterbear68/status/1239597710359040003
https://twitter.com/PhiIip1872/status/1239597471648624640
https://twitter.com/devilsndust71/status/1239594607933095936
https://twitter.com/GregMaclean6/status/1239594614002200577
https://twitter.com/Pena_Cartel/status/1239595341793628160
https://twitter.com/Goosestaffa/status/1239594235659198466
https://twitter.com/Revanite72/status/1239594350344093700
