It’s a long way back for Rangers

HAVING recorded possibly the worst result in the history of British clubs in Europe — a 2-0 defeat by part-time Niederkorn, currently the fourth-best team in Luxembourg — the week just kept getting better for Rangers. A day later, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of HM Revenue and Customs over £47million of tax-free loans paid to Rangers players, managers and directors between 2001 and 2010. The court ruled the payments were taxable. Now Celtic have called on the Scottish FA to review the five titles Rangers won in that period. ‘In 2013, we expressed surprise over the findings of the Scottish Premier League commission that no competitive or sporting advantage had resulted,’ read a statement. ‘The Supreme Court’s decision only reaffirms that view. We are sure the footballing authorities in Scotland will wish to review this matter and Celtic awaits the outcome.’ If Celtic are successful, this leaves Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha in an interesting position, starting the domestic season on minus five titles without kicking a ball. Still, it could be worse. He could have lost to the fourth-best team in Luxembourg.