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Rangers criticise "deeply flawed" SPFL decision to end seasons early

Rangers say they are considering their legal options following the SPFL's decision to end the Sc...



Rangers criticise
Soccer

Rangers criticise "deeply flawed" SPFL decision to end seasons early

Rangers say they are considering their legal options following the SPFL's decision to end the Scottish football season in all divisions below the Premiership.

It's after Dundee reversed an earlier intention to reject the proposals, meaning the resolution achieved the numbers required to pass.

A strongly-worded statement from Rangers claims, "No fair minded person can take the outcome of this vote seriously".

Earlier, manager Steven Gerrard called the SPFL decision "an absolute mess" and called for an independent investigation.

Dundee's vote was controversial as they originally voted against the proposal, but claim their electronic vote did not reach the SPFL. The Tayside club subsequently changed their vote.

This in particular has raised the ire of the Rangers board who say, "publishing the outcome prior to all clubs having voted has undermined the democratic process and demonstrated unacceptable standards of corporate governance by the SPFL Executive."

As things stand, Dundee United are champions of the Scottish Championship, with Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers winning League One and League Two respectively.

Those three sides will all be promoted, while Partick Thistle will be relegated from the Championship and Stranraer are demoted from League One.

Partick say they will not pursue a court case on the matter - despite being advised that they could.

A task force is to be formed to look at expanding next season's Premiership.

Rangers' statement adds, "Also, we are aware several club directors claimed they were being bullied at a time when Scottish football should have been acting in unity to alleviate the financial hardship of many of our clubs.

"Addressing the latter was one of our primary objectives and the resolution we presented could and should have been progressed.

"The SPFL chose to obstruct our resolution which would have given clubs the required financial support, without the pre-condition of ending the season.

"The fact that this solution was not afforded sufficient consideration defies belief and further underlines the view held by many clubs that the processes and behaviours of certain individuals must now be the subject of forensic examination."

Rangers conclude their statement by saying, "There is precedent within Scottish football that a league must not be compromised by changing the rules during the course of the competition.

"The anger of our fans is understood and shared by our Board, who continue to examine all legal options available."

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