Rangers have added to the protests over the post-split SPL fixtures by hitting out at the decision to hand them three consecutive away games. Despite having a double-figures lead at the top of the table, Rangers chief executive Martin Bain argued that his club had been placed at a "competitive disadvantage" by being given trips to Hibernian, Dundee United and Celtic in succession.

Bain has also criticised the decision to give Celtic a third home match against Motherwell, whose pitch suffered badly in the harsh winter.

Bain told the club's official website: "We find it very disappointing and surprising that we have been asked to play three consecutive away matches in the space of 10 days at such a crucial stage of the season.

"We know we have work to do in our efforts to win the championship but it is maybe just as well we have a good lead given the schedule we are faced with.

"It is certainly our understanding that clubs are never forced to play three away games in a row before the split so we don't know why we are being asked to do so now."