Andrew Cavenagh has no plans to back down as Rangers look to force Celtic to cough up £1.3million to compensate for damages at Ibrox.
The stand-off stems from the ugly scenes during March’s Scottish Cup quarter-final, when Celtic fans poured onto the pitch after their side progressed on penalties.
Hundreds of seats were destroyed, vile graffiti mocking the 66 victims of the Ibrox disaster was drawn across the Broomloan Stand, and pitch-side LED advertising boards were kicked to the ground.
Rangers placed the total cost of the damage at £1.3m, but Celtic have so far offered just £50,000, citing a long-standing SFA cap as the basis for their position.
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Cavenagh seeking “multiple avenues” to force Celtic to pay up
Rangers bosses have no plans to ease their stance, having drawn up a plan to hold their bitter rivals to ransom.
According to the Daily Record, the Govan club have now withheld approximately £150,000 in ticket revenue owed to Celtic following last week’s final Old Firm encounter of the season.
The Gers chairman also confirmed that the club are pursuing “multiple avenues” to recover the full amount, and made clear they will engage with both Celtic and the governing bodies, as opposed to being drawn into a public war of words.
Cavenagh explained that the damage suffered at Ibrox was “extensive” and that the Ibrox outfit expect the situation to be resolved soon.
He said, “I think the basics are known. We think the damage caused by their supporters is roughly a million three (£1.3m).
“We have asked them to pay for that, there’s a dispute over that, but we won’t get into tit for tat via you guys.
“We’ll have that conversation with Celtic and the league and SFA. We’ve suffered extensive damage and expect to be remedied for that.
“There are multiple avenues for that. There are rules, but also ways to arbitrate and seek recovery for that.”
What happens next for Rangers
With the SPFL already seeking discussions with the Scottish government over new legislation around stadium disorder, partly prompted by the Ibrox scenes, the pressure on Celtic to settle is likely to grow in the coming weeks.
The Scottish FA’s independent investigation into the March disorder is also still ongoing, with recommendations expected to include a crackdown on pitch invasions and tailgating.
Any findings that directly attribute blame to Celtic supporters, who have also been accused of assaulting Hearts players during Saturday’s title celebrations, will only strengthen Rangers’ hand in the dispute.
Cavenagh has made clear the club are willing to pursue arbitration if necessary, and with “multiple avenues” reportedly on the table, the Gers are not short of options.
The withheld ticket money may only be the opening shot in what could become a prolonged legal and administrative battle between the bitter rivals.
