Andy Haliday has dismissed claims Rangers have benefited from fans being locked out of stadia.
Former Livingston boss Gary Holt claimed last week the lack of supporters in front of players have helped the Ibrox side, while it's hindered Celtic.
Rangers have built a commanding lead at the top of the Premiership reeling off 13 wins in a row after their 2-0 win over St Mirren on Wednesday night.
But Halliday insisted it was a 'poor' comment from Holt and has rubbished the notion Rangers are at an advantage from the silence in the grounds.
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."
