Celtic reiterated their stance that they do not need Rangers in order to thrive, after First Minister Alex Salmond claimed the Old Firm's fortunes were interlinked.
Responding to the Ibrox club's descent into administration, Salmond claimed "the most die-hard Celtic supporter understands that Celtic can't prosper unless Rangers are there".
But the official viewpoint of Celtic, who went 14 points clear in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Tuesday after Rangers were deducted points, is somewhat different.
A club statement read: "We are very disappointed with the First Minister's claims that Celtic 'need' Rangers and that Celtic 'can't prosper unless Rangers are there'.
"This is simply not true. In a series of interviews given just three days ago, we made it abundantly clear that Celtic has a well-defined strategy and a business plan independent of the fortunes of any other club.
"That remains absolutely the case. The predicament of Rangers is clearly a serious and complex matter with a whole range of possible outcomes.
"However, we are extremely well qualified to make our own position clear and have no wish to see that being misrepresented for political reasons."
Like Salmond, St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas believes a strong Rangers is good for Scottish football.
"All I will say is I don't think anybody should take any pleasure out of the situation," Lomas said.
"Scotland needs a strong Old Firm and so it gives me no pleasure to see Glasgow Rangers in the position they're in.
"Hopefully Rangers will sort their problems out and get themselves in a better fitting."
St Mirren manager Danny Lennon feels events at Ibrox should serve as a warning for the rest of Scottish football.
"It's very sad for a club the size of Rangers to find themselves in the position that they are in," Lennon said.
"I think it's now time for all the Scottish clubs to ensure they have their house in order.
"Going into debt perhaps will give teams short or medium-term advantage but the current situation shows just how incredibly harmful it can be."
Kilmarnock are the first team to face Rangers
since they went into administration and manager Kenny Shiels anticipates a defiant response on and off the park.
"I'm trying to focus on other things like how we prepare and what we are about," Shiels said.
"But with regards the Rangers situation, I feel there will be a galvanising of energy from the stands and pitch.
"It definitely will foster a siege mentality and they will definitely be fighting to try to get a result.
"There will be a mutual feeling of: 'Let's do this for the club'."
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