BT Sport source in Rangers Europa League threat via controversial tabloid

A source close to BT Sport has appeared to threaten Rangers over Europa League coverage of the club as a row over two ex-Celtic players rumbles on.

Rangers refused press access into Ibrox to former Parkhead stars Chris Sutton and Neil Lennon for coverage of Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Real Betis.

BT Sport have allegedly aimed a thinly-veiled threat at Rangers via a source speaking to the Daily Record. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The broadcaster traditionally sets up studios at the stadium of whoever is playing at home on that given day and with Rangers and Celtic both playing in Europe, this was at Ibrox ahead of Rangers’ eventual 2-0 defeat to Lyon.

Rangers have been clear about Chris Sutton’s access to Ibrox and are clear that the controversial and outspoken pundit – who has peddled SFA conspiracies and unfair criticism of Rangers previously – is not welcome at Ibrox.

The outspoken pundit would then take to Twitter to claim that alongside ex-Celtic boss Lennon, Rangers had cited security concerns regarding their presence in the ground.

Now, a source close to the broadcaster has appeared to threaten Rangers in the Daily Record by claiming that from here on in they are considering hosting all their Europa League coverage from Celtic Park.

This, it is claimed, would be in order to keep costs down in broadcasting and will impact the exposure of the stadium on matchdays.

“If this scenario comes up again then the safety of our staff is paramount,” said the source.

“However, the cost to us doubles if we have to set up two studios so it’s more economical to have just one base.

“Therefore, one option being considered is simply to set the studio up at Parkhead. It seems ludicrous considering we won’t have the fans arriving for the game as they will be at Ibrox.

I’m not allowed to work on the Celtic game tonight from a studio at Ibrox along with Neil Lennon as Stewart Robertson the Rangers CEO says we are a security risk. Good to see Rangers ground breaking diversity and inclusion campaign ‘Everyone Anyone’ is working well…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) September 16, 2021

“Something would be lost and Ibrox Stadium will miss out on the exposure of a full house on a European night which makes great viewing as it showcases a magnificent arena to the world.

“But we could be left with no option. At a time when (Rangers managing director) Stewart Robertson has said they are looking for more money to be invested in the Scottish game it doesn’t make much sense to be upsetting a major UEFA stakeholder.”

Whilst the press and BT Sport might be allegedly taking this news badly, Rangers fans have been giving their take on the latest lock-out.