Fears for safety of Rangers owner Whyte

Rangers owner Craig Whyte revealed he has been taking “extra precautions” after being warned by police over fears for his safety.

Police believe the London-based businessman could be in danger of being targeted by disgruntled Gers fans for his part in the financial collapse of the administration-hit Ibrox club, whose future remains clouded in uncertainty.

Whyte said: “I have had security advice from the police. You would have to be living in a different planet to think that there is not an increased security risk for me.”

“I have been demonised for problems at the club from years ago.”

After being hailed as a hero when he took the ailing Ibrox club over from David Murray last May for £1, Whyte became the villain when Rangers entered administration on February 14 over alleged non-payment of £9 million (€10.8 million) in PAYE and VAT taxes.

It emerged that Whyte was able to fund his takeover by selling future season tickets to Ticketus, a partnership which ultimately raked in £30.5m (€36.6m) and which left the investment firm a key player as administrators Duff and Phelps search for new owners.