GLASGOW, July 5: Scottish football was thrown into disarray on Wednesday after indebted Glasgow giants Rangers were barred from competing in the Scottish Premier League following a vote by top-tier clubs.

The decision to reject the bid by a new Rangers ownership to play in the top division following the club's financial meltdown could threaten the economic well-being of teams around Scotland.

Rangers chief executive Charles Green said the 140-year-old club was “deeply disappointed” with the result of the vote and will be applying to join the Scottish Football League, which is made up of three divisions.

Rangers, one of the most famous teams in Britain, have won a record 54 national titles.—AP