Dundee United have become the second club to indicate they will block Rangers' attempts to play in the Scottish Premier League next season.

A statement posted on the club's Facebook page on Thursday night said the decision had been taken following consultation with supporters' groups.

Earlier in the day Hearts chairman Vladimir Romanov said the newco formed to take over Rangers' assets should start its life in the lower leagues to ensure fair competition.

Motherwell have said they will hold a ballot of supporters to determine which way the club should vote on the issue when the application of Sevco 5088 Ltd is considered by the SPL.

The new company needs a minimum of eight votes to gain admission to the league.

Dundee United's statement said: "Following what was a robust and constructive meeting, the club’s position on how we will vote was substantiated by the viewpoint of the various supporters' groups.

"The meeting finished with all in agreement as to what the correct course of action would be.

The Board of Directors of Dundee United are unequivocal in the belief that a form of sporting punishment must form part of the reasoning behind any decision made and, therefore, cannot vote the newco into the SPL.

"General sporting integrity and, more importantly, the integrity of Scottish football must also play a significant part in the decision making process. It is our belief that any form of sporting punishment must be unambiguous in the message it displays.

The financial well-being of the club, both in the short and long term, must also be at the forefront of our thoughts.

"We would encourage our supporters to purchase season ticket books as a show of support to our club. The board of directors will act in the best interest of Dundee United and our supporters and Scottish football on this matter. The financial consequences of not showing this support for our club are extremely serious."

More About Focus on Rangers

• Scottish FA board to consider Rangers 'no links with Craig Whyte' findings
• Rangers talks continue over meeting to remove Malcolm Murray
• Ex-Rangers chief Charles Green agrees to sell shares to hedge fund
• Rangers signings can't play as trialists if league reconstruction approved
• Strachan: Walter Smith the man to get Rangers challenging Celtic again
• Walter Smith new chairman of Rangers as Malcolm Murray stands down
• Rangers inquiry finds 'no evidence' of Craig Whyte link with newco

Related articles

• Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov says no to Rangers newco in SPL
• Rangers crisis: Ibrox season ticket renewal money held by 'oldco'
• St Johnstone chairman says no to Rangers ‘newco’ without sanctions

People who read this story also read

• Rangers crisis: Ibrox season ticket renewal money held by 'oldco'
• Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov says no to Rangers newco in SPL
• Man raped a four-year-old child because 'he asked me to'
• Businessman linked to Rangers 'takeover' bid paid to play for Celtic
• Man is detained by police after body discovered lying in street