Current and former Scotland managers George Burley and Craig Brown believe Rangers have been harshly treated by the SPL in the run-up to next week's UEFA Cup Final.

The club welcomes Dundee United to Ibrox four days before Wednesday's clash with Zenit St Petersburg, then face four games in eight days as they squeeze in their remaining league matches.

A request to reschedule the Dundee United match was rejected by the SPL prompting fury from chairman David Murray and Scotland boss George Burley can understand his frustration.

"It shouldn't happen to any club and shouldn't happen again in Scottish football," said Burley. "They are being punished for their success in reaching the Uefa Cup final.

"And it's something that the SPL and everyone in Scottish football has go t to look at."

Former Scotland incumbent Craig Brown admitted he was also "astonished" by Rangers' predicament.

"Rangers should get a clear week to prepare for that European final," Brown told Talksport.

"Common sense should prevail.

"I'm flabbergasted that they don't acknowledge the fact that the reputation of Scottish football can be greatly enhanced if Rangers win the UEFA Cup."

Meanwhile, Mark McGhee, whose side Motherwell lost 1-0 to Rangers last night, said he would have been willing to shift his team's fixture if it were to help the Glasgow side in their UEFA Cup campaign.