Retiring SPFL chairman Ralf Topping addressed the issue of Rangers EBTs in the light of the recent Supreme Court ruling in an interview today with The Scotsman. It is clear he is well-briefed on what is ‘in the post’ for the football authorities in Scotland from “fans groups”:
“There are a lot of wealthy people who support football clubs who will fund certain activities around challenges. The authorities just have to accept it and be measured in their response.”
Topping told The Scotsman, their solicitor, “the finest in the land”, made sure they were “ready for any challenges subsequently”.
The SPFL would save themselves and everyone else a lot of time and money if, instead of briefing friendly journalists who would refrain from asking the pertinent questions, they would address the matter in hand.
Why did the SPL (now the SPFL) set the parameters for what became the Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) Commission to examine from 1998, then, when it became clear Rangers would admit guilt for offenses between 1998 and 2000, change that date to run from 2000?
Why did the SPL not lead evidence to the LNS Commission on the five players Rangers admitted guilt to the First Tier Tribunal, for offenses committed during the period in question (after 2000)?
Why did the SPL not reserve the right to appeal the LNS decision, which was predicated on EBTs being executed legally, pending the HMRS appeal?
Other questions, like who made the above decisions and why, can be addressed later.
If only the SPFL would “be measured in their response”, if only they would respond at all! There has been no response to these questions, only prevarication, misdirection and evasion.
The more those at the top of Scottish football speak, the more they sound like Sepp Blatter, who for years set inquiries and boasted about his robust legal advice on the running of Fifa.
Frankly, Topping and his cronies are not in Blatter’s league. They are not career criminals, but their briefing of selected journalists while studiously avoiding the question every fan would like to see answered, increasingly looks like a cover-up.
Celtic’s call for action will be ignored by the SPFL and SFA, but that must not be the end of it. Just do the right thing, Ralph; answer the questions.
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A comparison of the two performances yesterday and today should have Erik concerned over the form of young Ajer.
They were excellent in the second half and scoreline was a fair reflection.
Felt a bit sorry for young Hill as he did not look comfortable at right back but improved slightly in midfield.
The transition to first team is difficult but the second half will be reviewed by coaches and players to show them what is required.
Ajer,Kouassi’NtCham,and Benju all stated their case for first team.
I also thought DeVries,Dembele and McG all played well.
Bitton will do well in a league less frantic than here, we will get good money for him
I think Bitton is ok when 3-0 up
I think its clear. Bitton is indeed a good player, but not often enough.
Dont know if thats enough for Brendan
Anybody getting the slightest rattled at the result needs a good kick in the arse.
This was a mixture of new Bhoys, 2nd string & Academy players, playing a top French team.
First half was brilliant but they made about 6 changes at half time & upped the ante in the second half & overran us.
We don’t want or need 11 new first team players, just 3 or 4 will do. Olivier, Benyu, Ebouie & Ajer all showed promise & personally I enjoyed the game & feel we have some great potential back up.
Must say I felt very sorry for young Hazard, he looked very nervous from the start & to ship 4 goals in 45 minutes must be confidence sapping.
Hopefully he will bounce back, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So keep the head up young Bhoy & believe in yourself.
OOOFFF OOOTTT so a big Hail Hail to all.
Murdoch @4:58
I will gladly take your case … but there is the small issue of the retainer. :)
BADA BING
Can’t see us getting much money for him but I hope you’re right.
On the upside.
Promising display by Ajer, great timing in his tackles on a few occasions.
New guys all looked pretty comfortable on the ball especially Nthcam.
CORKCELT
I did not think Hazard was at fault for any of the goals.
All close in shots with poor protection.
He made a good save in the first but unfortunately the rebound went to them.
I did think his distribution was poor though.
Hopefully it won’t affect his confidence.
Well i suppose like most friendlies they only play for 45 mins. 2nd halfs are experimental zones where coaches try new things and players. Still dont like losing though.
TREBLE WINNING CAPTAINS on 15TH JULY 2017 3:48 PM
“Topping’s great legal brain…Ralph, mate, the clubs are talking, telling it like it is. If you think you have had a bad day on CQN wait until Monday. Paul is going to have some fun.”
**************
Good stuff, I love Happy Mondays! Step on their stinkin’ thinkin’ !
SIN CITY BHOY
I am not convinced by Erik but yesterday he was a victim of a cowardly ref.
On the few occasions he was caught out he was clearly fouled.
That big hun donkey clearly targeted Erik as he knew Simo would have crushed him.
I went to the game to see the new bhoys.
Ebouie and Benyu were very good. Ntcham showed lovely touches, more to come. Hayes knows his job, a decent pro, no more, no less. Big Ajer will be terrific, he was super today. The young right back was ok.
Most of the old guard were what they are. Izzy great then giving the ball away needlessly. Callum doing the fetching and carrying. Bitton filling in a centre back not very convincingly. Doris a back up keeper. However,,…
Moussa was an awesome, powerful, confident centre forward. I really hope we can keep him a while. He is brilliant.
Match report over.
Eurochamps67
DontusuallyattendpreseasonfriendliesbutgladIsawtodaysdubutantsCSC
Hundaymail headline – Celtic in worst European result from a Scottish team ever.
Olivier Ntcham – Welcome To Celtic – Best Skills & Goals 2017….
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0-zjM5jj8Yo
Just read the The Scotsman article re Topping. Here is my synopsis:
Rangers cheated but they are too important to suffer the consequences. We will ignore all challenges to our view.
No Surrender.
JJ
Eliteserien. Sogndal 0-3 Rosenborg BK.
Their first away win in 4 games, scored 15 goals in their last 5 matches, conceding 6.
Dundalk 2nd leg will be a better indication of what we’re up against, whichever way it goes.
Barring the unthinkable, of course!
Today was just a freebi on the ST, that’s why I didn’t bother,in the town staying at grand central,heading for St Vincent’s shortly for some community singing:-))
Didn’t attend, watch or listen to the game today ….nor do I care about result of a friendly. Welcome the test for new and fringe guys.. It’s the best way to gauge them.
Bitton appears to be getting pelters. I find him intriguing. In my opinion he’s highly gifted if given time. Technically good passer and can slow game down to his pace. Which I suspect is counter to Brendan’s preferred approach… Hence he is becoming over taken by other players.
I bet if we punt him we get decent money for him…. I’d go as far as to say he could do well at a higher level than Scotland.
To quantify Bittons usefulness to us I’d use a baseball analogy, he’s like the closing pitcher when ur winning, take the sting out the game
Thought the first half midfield showed well as did ajer.
FAN-A-TIC on 15TH JULY 2017 5:21 PM
Erik is a warrior, of that there is no doubt. He never hides, and never shirks the rough stuff.
I doubt that Brendan would drop him for Ajer at this point, but in the near future the Norwegian has all the attributes to be a mainstay in our back line. Another season of development and he will be ready IMO.
Brendan is obviously to looking to sign A.N. Other too, which could see both of them further down the pecking order during the season.
Our unbeaten run since November over according to the SMSM #feelthepain. Thought today was just a friendly !
Those dismissing Rosenberg as being mince are a little premature in their assessment.
I’ve noticed they handing out some hefty pumpings in their league lately.
Just back from CP, decent first half followed by a second half collapse. There were a good side with some good individuals, skilful, fast and powerful. French football has an enormous pool of talent at this moment in time. Re the new players i thought Benyu did well, he looked comfortable on the ball, had a good touch, dug in and looks to be a good athlete. If he has cutting edge to his game he will be a good player. Ntcham showed some glimpses of quality, he looks powerful but needs more time to get fit and to show us what he can do. Eboue i thought was ok, he is a little raw and gave the ball away in dangerous areas with some careless passing. He needs more time and games under his belt before he is judged, as it stands he is a bit away from the first team and may benefit from being loaned out. I was interested to watch Ajer after hearing Kilmarnock fans rave about him. He looked solid enough first half, some good interceptions, tackles and reading of the game whilst happy to come out with the ball and play. Looks like he could do a job in the SPFL against some of the lesser teams at least. Big Moussa was different class and as for the rest, not much to report really.
Sin City
Said yesterday now 17 games into the season and top of the league – certainly no mugs.
Here’s hoping Dundalk do the business anyway. What a party that would be.
GENE on 15TH JULY 2017 5:52 PM
That too.
Get Ronny on the phone ASAP.
Rosenborg are ranked 157th in Europe compared to our 64th. Not that this means anything!
Jings crivvens help ma boab the SPFL urny gonny dae onything (tellet yeez Monday)
Jings crivvens help ma boab the SFA urny gonny dae onything
Jings crivvens help ma boab Celtic urny gonny dae onything (tellt yeez since 2009)
Jings crivvens help ma boab naebody’s gonny dae onything
lets huv a few foritzas. Aye.
Auldheid and BRTH….what did Celtic say? :)
Do we play Rosenborg if we gelt thro ‘ ? Or are they poss opponents ?
Get….fekin drunk keyboard
The history of Scotland in a nutsham…
From the declaration of Abroath to the wee goat a lawyer in Abroath.
Adi _Dasler
If they beat Dundalk next week over the tie (1-1 in Dundalk), yes.
Oops, missed the ‘or’ in your post. Confirmed opponents if they and we qualify.
Beatbhoy
Cheers
Away 1st ?
Adi
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