Supporters were already fuming after claiming fixture congestion and the SPL's refusal to sanction a further extension to the season cost Rangers the title and a fair build-up to the UEFA Cup final last term.

This time around, three of their opening four games will be played away from home, including tough matches against Aberdeen and Celtic.

Sandwiched between those two clashes is a crucial Champions League qualifier, which will determine whether Walter Smith's men join Celtic in the lucrative group stages or not.

"It's mystifying," Rangers Supporters Trust spokesman Stephen Smith said.

"Most people I've spoken to aren't very happy and can't understand why the games can't be played home and away alternately instead of three out of four games away from home.

"One of the Champions League qualifiers will also be away from home so there is a 50% chance of having three consecutive games away from home.

"Being mindful of how the season ended, this could cause a lot of problems for us again.

"There is a school of thought among Rangers supporters that what happened at the end of last season cost Rangers the title.

"Fans will not be happy at all and if the Scottish football authorities are looking to provoke a backlash, they are going the right way about it."