Rangers owner Craig Whyte claims he has been 'demonised for old problems'

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The Ibrox club owner has not returned to the stadium since administrators were appointed on February 14.

 

Rangers owner Craig Whyte claims he has been "demonised" for old problems at the club.

 

The businessman claims police have advised him he could be in danger of being targeted by disgruntled fans after administrators were appointed to run the club.

 

Mr Whyte was heckled and booed by an angry crowd the day Duff and Phelps were called in on February 14.

 

He has not returned to Ibrox since, having received police advice about his security on match days.

 

On Monday, Mr Whyte told the Press Association: "I have had security advice from the police. You would have to be living in a different planet to think that there is not an increased security risk for me.

 

"I have been briefed by police and have been taking extra precautions. I am not overly concerned. Most people are understanding of the situation.

 

"I have been demonised for problems at the club from years ago."

 

Mr Whyte bought an 85% share in the club from Sir David Murray last May for a nominal £1.

 

The clubâ??s £18m debt to Lloyds Banking Group was wiped out through a £25.3m deal with Ticketus which saw around 100,000 future season tickets sold to the firm in advance at around half price.

 

Mr Whyteâ??s status as majority shareholder at Rangers and the only secured creditor stands, despite Duff and Phelps previous statements that he had become an â??irrelevanceâ? in terms of any sale of the club.

 

Currently, Rangers are awaiting the outcome of a first tier tribunal tax case which could leave them with a bill of up to £75m, according to Mr Whyte. The case relates to the use of an employee benefit trust to pay players and staff by Rangers under Sir David from 2001 to 2010.

 

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/302377-rangers-owner-craig-whyte-claims-he-has-been-demonised-for-old-problems/