Rangers: Early finish would damage integrity of the league

Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson has insisted that the Premiership season must be played to a proper finish, saying any early ending would damage the integrity of the competition.

All football in Scotland is currently suspended as part of measures introduced to slow the spread of coronavirus, with no date set for play to resume.

The Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have said that it is their preference to complete the 2019/20 season but have said that restrictions will only be lifted when public safety is assured.

That has led to speculation about what decision would be taken about the league title, relegation and prize money if the authorities decide that the season can not be complete in time. Celtic are currently 13 points ahead of Rangers in the league with eight games to play, though Rangers hold a game in hand.

Robertson said that Rangers are opposed to any decision to confirm final league positions if fixtures haven’t been completed.

“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,” he said in a statement published on Rangers’ website.

“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.”

He also noted that the club would be paying close attention to the SFA and SPFL’s choices, saying: “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 managing director also echoed earlier comments from the club’s manager Steven Gerrard, saying that football was a secondary issue when public health was at risk, and that the club was following guidelines and best practice to protect the health and safety of all staff.