Gers should lose titles but we can’t strip them

Rangers celebrate their 2003 title success when the EBTs at Ibrox were in full flow. potentially-lengthy, legal saga is what Scottish should be looking at – and that’s where they football needs right now. should be held accountable for inaction.

Make no mistake, that is what any attempt Yes, Rangers employed players they should to strip Rangers of titles will turn into. not have been able to afford.

The water is too muddy, with the “oldco” Yes, they won titles while doing so. and “newco” both involved, for anything to But no amount of tinkering with the record happen quickly. books will undo that.

It would take time – and that’s something I Like I said, I understand fans’ urge to put don’t think we really have to spare. the boot in. Football does that to people.

We have just watched two of Scotland’s I also understand the ethical argument for European representatives – Rangers and St acting against Rangers now for things that Johnstone – fall at the first hurdle in happened years ago. continental competition. But I can’t get away from the feeling that They both crashed out to pub teams. reopening old wounds would be a colossal Speaking as someone with two UEFA Cup waste of time in this context – and a diversion medals, I think we should be hanging our of attention away from where it is needed. heads in shame over that. You can’t change the past, but you can have

Meanwhile, the national side’s World Cup an effect on the future. hopes are hanging by a thread – again. That is the direction in which Scottish

These are the problems our governing body football should be looking now.

■