Rangers chairman John McClelland has launched a major investigation into the turnstile trouble which caused chaos and embarrassment at Ibrox on Saturday.
The kick-off for the visit of Dundee was delayed for 50 minutes after a malfunction in the electronic turnstiles, understood to have been caused by a power cut.
Thousands of season-ticket holders were left outside the stadium while police and stewards sought to defuse a potential security risk.
McClelland admitted to 'a huge embarrassment' as the problem, similar to that which affected the first home match of last season, returned to haunt club officials.
'Rangers would like to apologise to all our fans, both inside and outside the ground, following the delay to the kick-off,' said a club spokeswoman.
'We are reluctant at this stage to pinpoint the exact reason but the early indications suggest some form of power failure. We commend everyone for their patience and good nature throughout.'
Rangers have been dogged with problems at the turnstiles since they elected to replace the former season books with 'swipe' cards at the start of last season.
Hundreds of supporters missed the 0-0 draw with Livingston 12 months ago after teething troubles rendered their new cards useless.
Ibrox officials believed the issuing of fresh cards to many fans had alleviated the problem, only to be stung by Saturday's farcical delays.
Alex McLeish has ring-fenced another of Rangers' home-grown talents by convincing Maurice Ross to pledge his long-term future to Ibrox.
The versatile Scotland international defender has successfully concluded lengthy negotiations and signed a new deal which will keep him with the Scottish Cup winners until 2006.
Ross, who first emerged under Dick Advocaat, has followed Stephen Hughes, Robert Malcolm and goalkeeper Allan McGregor in extending his contract.
- NEWS
