Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond believes Rangers are vital to the Scottish Premier League and it would not survive without them.
Scottish First Minister recognises the importance of Gers
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond believes Rangers are vital to the Scottish Premier League and it would not survive without them.
The Scottish giants entered administration after it was revealed the club have an outstanding tax bill of £9million.
Administrators Duff and Phelps took over at Ibrox on Tuesday with the future of the Gers uncertain.
However, Salmond insists that the SPL could never be a success without Rangers and believes should they depart it would have a direct effect on rivals Celtic.
"Obviously HMRC have got to pursue, in the public interest, taxation," he said live on
Al Jazeera English.
Prosper
"Equally, they've got to have cognisance of the fact that we're talking about a huge institution, part of the fabric of the Scottish nation, as well as Scottish football, and everybody realises that.
"The most die-hard Celtic supporter understands that Celtic can't prosper unless Rangers are there.
"The rest of the clubs understand that as well. Therefore you have to have cognisance of these things when you're pursuing public policy."
Issues with HM Revenue & Customs have been long-running for Rangers and Salmond admits even he has been desperate to see the matter resolved so focus could remain on the game of football.
He added: "We've certainly been arguing to HMRC on one hand, and indeed to Rangers, to for goodness sake get a settlement, get a settlement and a structure over time whereby Rangers can continue because Rangers must continue for the future of Scottish football and for the fabric of the country."
The interview will be broadcast on Al Jazeera in full at 8pm on Friday 17th February.
