Celtic have declared their “surprise” at the official conclusion that Rangers gained no competitive advantage from years of making undisclosed payments to players.

Celtic have said in a statement they are “surprised” by the Scottish Premier League-appointed commission’s conclusion that Rangers gained no competitive advantage from the undisclosed payments they were found guilty of making.

Oldco Rangers escaped with their 54 titles intact yesterday after an independent commission ruled that undisclosed payments to dozens of players did not give them a “sporting advantage”.

Oldco Rangers have been handed a fine of £250,000 (€289,000) following an investigation into undisclosed payments to players between 2000-2011 but the club will not be stripped of any titles, the Scottish Premier League have confirmed.

The tax tribunal which heard Rangers’ appeal over their bill for the use of Employee Benefit Trusts has delivered a majority verdict which has “allowed the appeal in principle”.