Stunned Rangers hero Andy Halliday has rubbished Gary Holt's claim that his former team are benefiting from fans being unable to attend matches.
The former Livingston boss claimed last week the silence inside stadiums is having a double effect in that it is hindering Celtic while providing respite for Steven Gerrard 's side.
A lot of former players and manager have been searching for answers and the Hearts midfielder believes the Light Blues domination isn't down to supporters in the stands.
Holt claims he often felt "tension" within Ibrox where Hoops diehards were more likely to get behind their team in the closing stages of games.
But a shocked Halliday doesn't subscribe to that theory and has pointed to a series of white-hot Rangers wins that were boosted by a jam-packed stadium.
He said on Superscoreboard: "Who said it? Gary Holt? I'm surprised he said that.
"I think that's a big statement to be honest with you.
" Rangers had brilliant European performances and a couple of Old Firm wins last year when there were fans in the stadium.
"Look at the other side, if Celtic fans were in the stadium this year - they're gathering outside the stadium after some of their performances.
"So to say that they would back the players until the last 10 minutes...
"I get it but I think that's a poor comment from Gary Holt to be honest.
"I've played at clubs down south where the fans get on your back when you're 1-0 down.
"I just think it's an easy comment to make because of the way the league's going just now.
"I don't disagree that Celtic are maybe lacking a wee bit because they've not got fans in the stadium.
"But to say that Rangers are benefiting from no fans in the stadium? For me that's madness."
