Stewart Robertson, the Rangers managing director, has declared that any attempt to finish the current Ladbrokes Premiership campaign with a number of games still to play would impact “upon the integrity of sport in Scotland.”
In a statement released this afternoon, Robertson stated that the 38 game campaign must be completed while the notion of playing matches behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic would be “strongly opposed” by the Ibrox club.
The statement read: “Rangers are continuing to monitor the ongoing situation regarding Coronavirus and its impact on football at all levels.
"I reiterate Steven Gerrard’s comments this morning that football is secondary to the health and well-being of the citizens of the United Kingdom. Life is precious and as a society, we must endeavour to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable in our community. As a club, we will continue to follow government guidelines and advice relating to the health and safety of all members of staff.
"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. 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.
"We are cognisant of the uncertainty surrounding the future of many businesses and peoples 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.”
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