Celtic chiefs explain Rangers rejection

Celtic have explained why the club voted against Newco Rangers' bid to join the Scottish Premier League.

Club executives said that the Glasgow Giants opposed their rival's campaign to protect the "integrity" of Scottish football.

However, the Bhoys expressed concerns about the financial implications of a top flight without the Ibrox outfit.

"Celtic Football Club today confirmed that it opposed readmission to the Scottish Premier League by Rangers newco," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Today's decision to refuse access into the SPL was an overwhelming one and demonstrates the depth of feeling amongst everyone involved in Scottish football.

"Fundamentally, the Celtic board has also been very mindful of the need to take what it believes to be the correct course of action in protecting the integrity of the game in Scotland.

"Throughout the whole sequence of events leading up to today's decision the Celtic Board has been of the singular view that the integrity of the game in Scotland is of paramount importance.

"Our only other consideration has been to protect the interests and rights of the club and our supporters."

Newco Rangers will now attempt to secure a place in the Scottish Football League.

The Scottish FA are yet to confirm which club will replace them in the top flight.