Rangers: Season is only complete when all 38 games are played

Rangers have reiterated their opposition to any early finish to the Premiership after the SPFL confirmed a vote will be taken on finalising the league as it stands.

The Ibrox club, who had nine league games to play when all football was suspended, trail leaders Celtic by 13 points.

The club has previously stated their preference for playing out all remaining fixtures when possible and say that stance has not changed despite the SPFL’s proposal.

The league body spoke with all 42 member clubs on Wednesday and proposed a vote that would see the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2 brought to a premature end, with titles, promotion and relegation all decided on an average points per game basis.

Top flight clubs will also vote but no action will be taken as yet to draw a line under the Premiership season.

In a statement on the club website, a Rangers spokesperson said: “Considering the current circumstances and increased speculation surrounding the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on Scottish football, we felt it is incumbent that we provide clarity in relation to our position.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Rangers firmly believe that the 2019/20 season is only complete when all 38 games have been played to a finish.”

In addition to settling titles, calling the league and making all positions final would relegate Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer and Rangers say that can’t be allowed to happen when the teams can’t play out their remaining fixtures.

The spokesperson said: “It is abhorrent that certain clubs could be unfairly relegated if the current SPFL proposals were implemented. We must future proof the Scottish game.”

Rangers, who believe that any reconstruction plans would have to be given time for detailed scrutiny, are now proposing that the SPFL release all prize money to help struggling clubs as a matter of urgency.

The statement continued: “Nevertheless, we are conscious of the ongoing financial hardships faced by many clubs within the Scottish game. No business is immune from the impact of Coronavirus and we were proud of our players and senior staff’s voluntary decision to defer their wages to ensure job security for their colleagues at Ibrox.

“Furthermore, many clubs urgently require financial support to maintain cash flow and allow them to survive this current impasse so they can return to normal business when the current government lockdown is relaxed. It is important to recognise that these clubs across all the leagues are now in a financially precarious situation.

“As a club, Rangers will immediately propose a member’s resolution which would release prize money to be distributed to all clubs throughout Scotland urgently. We believe that this is the priority in the present circumstances. It is vital to show respect for all clubs across the Scottish game, regardless of league position or financial standing. We must work together with a unity of purpose for the betterment of the Scottish game.”