Rangers fans slam Mike Ashley developments

A group of Rangers fans have claimed that the club has been "betrayed" following recent developments involving Mike Ashley.

Newcastle United owner Ashley recently had a £2m emergency loan accepted by the Gers amid rumours that he is close to taking over at Ibrox Stadium.

Chief executive Graham Wallace and director Philip Nash also stood down from their positions at the club over the weekend.

The Union of Fans have now launched a scathing attack on the club's remaining hierarchy for allowing Ashley to effectively seize control of Rangers.

"The Rangers support and the club itself has once again been betrayed by those tasked with overseeing the health and success of our great football club," read a statement.

"The decision by the non-executive directors of the Plc board, Mr Somers, Mr James Easdale and Mr Norman Crighton, to effectively hand control of the club to Mike Ashley in return for a £2m, short-term loan, is an absolute disgrace. They have acted in a cowardly way and have been bullied by Mike Ashley and Sandy Easdale into giving them precisely what they want with no regard for the club.

"They have neglected their duty to shareholders, fans and the club itself. Their cowardly act now means we are likely to see Mr Ashley gain long-term control of the club's remaining commercial income without having to actually invest a penny.

"It is now a matter of individual conscience for fans if they wish to continue to fund the corporate pillaging of our football club.

"They should be under no illusions however that every time they purchase a single item in either Sports Direct or our club shops, they are paying for the privilege of allowing Mike Ashley to strengthen his grip on our commercial operations in a move which could hamstring the club for a generation."

A number of supporters are expected to stage a protest tonight ahead of the team's home tie against St Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup.