Rangers defend St Mirren, Ross County

Rangers have defended the two Scottish Premier League clubs who voted against the introduction of a new league system today.

Ross County and St Mirren both voted against proposals to set up a 12-12-18 structure, with a majority of 11-1 needed to send the vote to the Scottish Football League.

The new system would have ensured that Rangers remained in the bottom tier of Scottish football next season despite having already won the Third Division title.

"We note the outcome of today's SPL vote on League reconstruction," said a club spokesman.

"Rangers have already openly talked about what we believe were constructive proposals and hope that these will be considered at some point in the future.

"The vast majority of supporters did not want 12-12-18 and the two clubs who voted against this should not be singled out for criticism. They stood up for what they and their fans believe."

The plans would have also seen the top two leagues split into three after 22 games, resulting in a more even spread of money to First Division clubs.