Rangers chief fumes as SPL refuse postponement
League chiefs refused to bow to Ibrox pressure to postpone Saturday’s league game against Dundee United, and insisted there is no chance of the SPL season being extended beyond May 22.
Rangers’ European final opponents Zenit St Petersburg have been allowed to postpone three games to ensure their preparation is right for the May 14 final in Manchester.
Murray said: “Throughout the world people will laugh at this decision in disbelief, and none more so than in Russia as their own association have done everything they can to assist FC Zenit St Petersburg.”
He explained: “We were not asking that all games be called off, simply one match prior to such a prestigious European final.
“The reaction throughout Europe when we have been discussing other matters with clubs has been one of astonishment that we are in this situation.
“Their decision does not surprise me, but disappoints and angers myself and indeed the Rangers supporters.”
Rangers are seven points behind Celtic in the SPL, but with three games in hand. Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had already criticised last month’s decision by the SPL to extend the league season to May 22, in the event of Rangers reaching the UEFA Cup final.
Rangers’ fixture backlog has developed because of postponed domestic games. Success in Europe, plus domestic cup replays, have left Rangers with little room in their calendar to squeeze in those games.
Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Barry Robson claims Celtic team-mate Shunsuke Nakamura is proving he has far more to offer than set-piece expertise. He and Robson have been sharing free-kick and corner responsibilities.
Robson said: “Naka is one of the best free-kick takers in the world — there is no doubt about that.
“But he’s also got more to his game. He’s a fit guy, he works so hard for the team and he’s great to play alongside.”
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