Green and the interests of Scottish football

I’ve read yesterday’s statement from prospective Rangers owner, Charles Green, a few times now, without really understanding what the point was.  When someone issues an unexpected statement the reason is usually obvious.  Not on this occasion.

Published on the official Rangers web site it once and for all confirmed that Duff and Phelps were acting with the approval of Green when they took the SFA to the Court of Session, thereby bringing the entire Scottish game into a potential disrepute situation with Fifa.

Mr Green will now be fully aware of the ramifications of Rangers court action.  They failed in their attempt to have the matter referred back for consideration to the Judicial Panel and, as Paul McConville pointed out yesterday, cannot be ejected from the Scottish Cup.  They are not currently participating in the Scottish Cup, and suspension from a future season’s Cup is not an available punishment.

His legal advice is now likely to conclude that his actions will soon lead to suspension from the Scottish FA.  There is, however, an interesting theme through Green’s short statement that might indicate why his statement was issued:

“I nor my investors wish to see an outcome that would be to the detriment of Scottish Football”.

“….suspension or termination of Rangers Football Club membership of the SFA. That in our view would be a disaster for Scottish football”.

“Expulsion from the Scottish Cup is itself a very serious punishment which would also have a severe impact on Scottish football”.

We are heartened to hear the interests of Scottish football are so core to Mr Green’s heart.  This being the case, he will possibly protect Scottish football by asking the SFA to impose the now-illegal player registration ban on Rangers and beg them not to refer the matter back to the Appellate Panel. The horse has bolted on this one but it’s possibly worth a punt.