MX23RW : Wednesday, March 12 15:09:22| >> :120:16609:16609:

Coronavirus latest: Rangers chief criticises suggestion of ending season

Coronavirus latest: Rangers chief criticises suggestion of ending season
© Reuters
Celtic manager Neil Lennon last week stated that his side should be crowned champions if the season could not be completed.

Rangers claim that any attempt to confirm final standings before 38 Ladbrokes Premiership games are completed would impact on the "integrity of sport".

There appears little prospect of the campaign being finished in the next few months following a serious escalation of measures to slow down the spread of coronavirus.

The Scottish Professional Football League announced on Monday that fixtures would be suspended "pending any Government order and/or further direction from the Scottish FA".

Celtic manager Neil Lennon last week stated that his side should be crowned champions if the season could not be completed.

After 30 matches, Lennon's team are 13 points clear of Rangers, who have a game in hand.

But Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said in a statement: "It is our firm view that this season's league competition 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.

Stewart Robertson has sent out a warning shot
Stewart Robertson has sent out a warning shot (PA)

"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 people's 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."

ID:393066: cacheID:393066:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4940:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Neil Lennon reacts on February 27, 2020
Read Next:
Neil Lennon expects Celtic to be crowned champions if season ends early
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic29243287177075
2RangersRangers29185659263359
3Hibernian29111084440443
4Aberdeen29126113846-842
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd29118103636041
6Motherwell29114143448-1437
7Hearts29106134140136
8Ross County2998123149-1835
9St Mirren29104153547-1234
10Kilmarnock2987143347-1431
11Dundee2977154161-2028
12St Johnstone2974183254-2225


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!