Fans of Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays claims that the fact Rangers are still in the Europa League could have a say in the SPFL’s attempts to end the 2019/20 season as things stand.
In a thread originally posted by Dale Johnson on Twitter, the ESPN reporter stated that, in a recent UEFA meeting, there was a “strong recommendation given to finish domestic top division and cup competitions, but some special cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European competitions – in case of a cancelled league – have been developed.”
When asked what this would mean for Rangers, who are currently still participating in the Europa League, Johnson replied: “Rangers need their 2019/20 UEL squad as registered in January. If Scotland calls its season off, player registrations and contracts will expire on June 30 and the transfer window would be expected to operate as normal.”
In reaction to Johnson’s comments, which were relayed on Twitter by Heart & Hand, fans of Rangers have flocked to have their say on the matter, with many suggesting that the news would be rather fitting, while others have worried that the SPFL could see Rangers exit the Europa League without actually losing their tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
Do you think the Scottish Premiership will finish as things stand?
Yes
No
Ironically, Rangers still being in UEL may hamper SPFL in attempts to call the season. UEFA not keen on clubs participating in ‘separate seasons’ at the same time.
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) April 21, 2020
Thwart their plan u say…. pic.twitter.com/ETlZM9HkjP
— Sir Dickie O’Davis (@howudiddling) April 21, 2020
Or alternatively the SPFL resolution would not only hand Celtic the title but also see Rangers out of Europa League if it does resume…perhaps the plan all along!?!?
— Neil Gray (@nelsonNRG82) April 21, 2020
This is made up nonsense. When a players contract expires, they cannot be forced by uefa to stay. That would be against employment law. UEFA cannot make that decision. At no point today did uefa mention this.
— rabdeans67 (@rabdeans67) April 21, 2020
Just seen That too. Would be rather fitting
— Laura ? (@TheLauraLothian) April 21, 2020
??
— . (@Beesh24240265) April 21, 2020
???
— Mark Philpott (@markyphilpott89) April 21, 2020
— Clyde (@highlandclyde) April 21, 2020
What do we think?
The recent developments as stated by Johnson do appear rather ironic, as Rangers are one of the main parties involved in fighting against the SPFL’s plans to end the Scottish Championship, League One and League Two seasons as things currently stand, with the club warning of “severe consequences for the Scottish game” and labelling plans to relegate clubs “abhorrent.”
Whether or not the fact that Rangers remain in the Europa League will have an effect on the SPFL’s eventual decision about how to conclude the Scottish Premiership is yet to be seen, however, it would appear that many of the Rangers fans believe that the fact their club could pose the SPFL a problem in that resolution is quite fitting.