Rangers shareholders Club 1872 have released a stinging statement against Mike Ashley/Sports Direct’s “toxic influence” at Ibrox in the aftermath of the latest ruling against the club.
A High Court judge found that Rangers were incorrect to sign a new merchandising deal with Hummel/Elite Group without giving Ashley and Sports Direct first option.
In a statement to fans, Club 1872, who bought Mike Ashley’s Rangers shares in 2017, have responded to their concerns with a supportive, direct and impassioned response.
The Rangers fans group and the club’s second-largest shareholder described the decision as “clearly not a positive situation”.
However, similarly to what Rangers have done [
Rangers.co.uk], they have responded to claims that the £1m damages cap has been removed.
This, which has been claimed by the likes of the BBC, appears to be untrue.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
They describe the ongoing situation as “a complex and far-reaching legal dispute” with “a number of aspects still to be decided by the courts”.
“We would remind supporters that Mike Ashley and Sports Direct were and remain a malign influence on Rangers Football Club,” reads the statement.
“Club 1872 purchased a large portion of Mr Ashley’s shares in 2017, partly to remove one aspect of that toxic influence.
“We look forward to the day when he and Sports Direct no longer have any dealings with our club.
“We are fully supportive of the Rangers board’s efforts to stand up to Mr Ashley’s attempt to bully the club into submission.
“Mr Ashley’s approach on this matter continues to make no commercial sense – given the position of the vast majority of the Rangers support towards Sports Direct – and appears to be purely vindictive.”
The group then urge supporters to boycott Ashley’s retail businesses which include House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Evans Cycles and Goals.
Club 1872 also “express sympathy” to Newcastle United’s supporters, whose fans are also “suffering” under the businessman’s influence.
And to think,
there was at one point talk of the businessman taking Rangers captain James Tavernier to Newcastle [Daily Record].
Can you really imagine Rangers doing business with the Newcastle United chief?
