Artur Numan fears worst for demoted Rangers and says Celtic will suffer consequences of missing out on Old Firm clash

Arthur Numan last night blasted the decision to demote Rangers to the Third Division, claiming it will be the “death blow” for Scottish football.

The former Ibrox player criticised clubs for voting against the newco’s admission to the SPL, and insisted Celtic will also suffer the consequences of missing out on Old Firm clashes.

Numan won three SPL titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups after his £3.5m move from PSV Eindhoven in 1998. He currently works as a scout for Aston Villa as well as managing Holland’s B team. “Nobody thought it would be possible for Rangers to be demoted to the fourth level,” Numan, 42, told Dutch magazine NuSport. “It has been like a knockout blow in the first round for the club’s fans. It is a disaster for the city of Glasgow as well. When you think about the place you think of Rangers versus Celtic – the Old Firm derby. Football is part of society in Scotland.

“Clubs like Aberdeen and Hearts maybe voted against the new Rangers being admitted to the SPL because they hoped to finish second and win a place in Europe. But they’ll get knocked out straight away.

“Their matches against Rangers were an important source of income after all.

“I also think Celtic underestimated the fallout. It is going to be even harder for them to attract players now the sporting challenge has been taken away – they will be champions by the end of October.”