Rangers look into Romanov rant

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has revealed the club may take legal action over Vladimir Romanov’s alleged accusations the Old Firm “buy off” referees.

The Hearts majority shareholder sparked a rumpus after an interview with a Russian magazine was transcribed by the Daily Record.

However, Romanov has denied making the comment and last night claimed he was misquoted in a colourful diatribe against the media.

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn revealed yesterday morning he would take legal advice.

And Bain told the Scottish Sun: “It was only after we landed on our flight back from Israel that I was made aware of Mr Romanov’s alleged comments.

“If they are confirmed then the matter will be referred to both the club’s lawyers and the SFA.

A spokesman for Romanov said yesterday: “Vladimir has issued a categorical denial that he said anything about referees being bought off by the Old Firm.”

The controversial Hearts supremo is already involved in a dispute with the Scottish Football Association after he appealed against a £10,000 fine for accusing Scottish referees of bias last season.

The Lithuanian-based businessman hit out at the media and accused former players of betrayal in a statement on the club’s website, www.heartsfc.co.uk, last night.