The statement released by Duff and Phelps last night revealed the substance to the lobbying that had taken place since the original punishment handed out by the SFA judicial panel:
“The decision by the appellate tribunal to uphold the sanction, namely the suspension of registration of players for one year, is not competent in the view of the club and its legal advisers.
“Such a sanction was not available to the tribunal”.
The suspension of player registrations was not one of the suggested punishments on the menu for the judicial panel but the rules allowed them to vary from guidance and choose whatever punishment they believed appropriate.
The appeal correctly found that the judicial panel were not were not subject to an exhaustive list of possible punishments. Duff and Phelps main hope was that the SFA rules were unclear and poorly constructed, as they were before an overhaul last year.
You don’t need to look too hard for the irony.
You can buy a hard copy of the new issue of CQN Magazine via Magcloud here.
The graphic below is just for a flick through, to read the magazine go here to it’s dedicated site.
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Petec
Sunday, as Tolkein would say could be
” the last march of the ENTS ”
Evil
Neanderthal
Toxic
Sash-wearers
Auldheid
Get your teeth into thay referees, they in my opinion are the real problem.
I will mail U later, things to do.
THE climax of the Mexican football season sees the green and white hoops of Santos Laguna take on rivals Monterrey in a two-leg final to decide the Clausura League champions.
Celtic’s brother club, Santos, face their closest rivals, with the first leg tonight (Thursday) in Monterrey. The return leg will be this Sunday.
Santos, who also reached the CONCACAF Champions League final this season, made it through to the Clausura final in dramatic style, scoring two late goals against Tigres, when it looked as though they would be eliminated.
Having narrowly missed out on the Champions League crown to Monterrey, the hoops will be looking to make amends in this two-legg final.
Everyone at Celtic would like to wish Santos Laguna every success for the Clausura League final, and we hope that the green and white hoops will be celebrating in Mexico this weekend, just as they have been in Scotland.
tomthelennytim
cheers
as i said in my reply to gordon j, i dont think that fine’s going to be paid then.
Mr Z,
I hear our old mate Semir Stillic is available on a free. However he has a 6 match ban for some form of chanting incident!! Crazy stuff!
Indeed Paul67
The reason they created a new lesser punishment was because they felt expulsion was too severe !
Alex Thomson’s latest blog
At this hour – around 1.30am we have not yet received the full reasoning of the Appelate Tribunal – the appeal body to whom Rangers went to try to reduce their punishment. Yet we already know enough to conclude that Rangers FC are beyond question lucky to exist at all now – certainly the luckiest club in British football right now, simply because they’re still allowed to trade as a football club.
Surprised that they upheld the fine and 1 year ban on buying new players? Hardly. And nor – critically – do I think Charles Green and the Mysterious Twenty of his consortium will be either.
They want to buy a club which nearly – seriously nearly – got expelled from Scottish football completely for a massive £12m tax fraud.
The Appeal Tribunal writes: “The sanctions available included expulsion from participation in the game and termination or suspension of membership of the Scottish FA, which would have had a similar effect. The Appellate Tribunal observes that serious consideration was given by the disciplinary tribunal to imposing one of these sanctions, which would have had obvious consequences for the survival of the club. The Disciplinary Tribunal rejected these as too severe and this Appellate Tribunal agrees with that conclusion.”
Bluntly: Green’s damned lucky that Rangers exists at all, that there is a thing called Rangers to buy. To borrow the tribunal’s favourite phrase about men-in-suits-in-Rangers – he had to have known what was going on and how near this club has come to annihilation.
17 rangers g 602 Rangers: Luckiest Club In Britain
So no, nobody should be surprised that against that threat, Rangers are merely banned from buying new talent for a year. A year in which they’re already banned from Europe as all prospective buyers are aware. Mr Green and The twenty mysterons of his consortium obviously knew all about this and can thus only be relieved there’s still a club to buy.
The second critical fact here is again, the appeal tribunal goes out of its way to hold the club responsible for massive tax fraud – not simply the former owner Craig Whyte. The “club” in law is its chairman and board of directors of the plc. Look carefully at their wording:
“The Disciplinary Tribunal was correct to determine that the conduct involved – especially the deliberate non-payment of very large sums, estimated in excess of £13m of tax in the form of PAYE, NIC and VAT – was attributable to the club as a member of the Scottish FA.”
Now, remember what it was that the tribunal determined? That key named directors at Rangers at that time: John McClelland, John Greig, David King, Ken Olverman and Martin Bain (he of the shredded contracts as revealed by C4 News) had to have known what was going on and did nothing about it.
This was the ‘club’ in law. The directors. These men of Rangers who walked away from Rangers.
Since what was going on was ‘deliberate non payment’ income tax, national insurance and VAT to the value of £13m it is reasonable to ask whether these men, along with Mr Whyte, are now going to face a police investigation for possible fraud. I shall be making inquiries from first thing.
Quite possibly they are innocent men, shut out from what was happening by the ever-increasingly-absent Craig Whyte. Though the tribunal has already stated they must have known something very wrong was happening at Ibrox, yet chose to do little or nothing about it.
Mr Whyte is accused by an eminent legal tribunal of directly masterminding a deliberate non-payment of tax. But the whole point here is that tribunal first and now appelate tribunal explicitly hold the ‘club’ (the directors) responsible for this joint enterprise of non-payment. They do not just blame Craig Whyte.
Craig Whyte’s reaction? No change there since he’s always regarded the entire procedure as a “kangaroo court”, “a complete joke” and “a total charade”. He will not bother to appeal, that being his view.
As for the football side of things? Well, there is a football side of things and since Ibrox has been the scene of a major tax fraud, Rangers are exceedingly lucky that this even exists today.
The appeal tribunal duly notes there are 40 players who can still turn up next season because the buy-ban doesn’t stop the club extending contracts of these 40 already on the books:
“…the Appellate Tribunal recognises that the Disciplinary Tribunal decision does not affect Rangers’ ability to extend the contracts of existing professional players, including those whose contracts will expire at the end of this season and including also those currently on loan to other clubs. The Appellate Tribunal observes that Rangers FC have over 40 professional players in this category.”
But footy’s nothing if not short as a career. The window for glory is just a few seasons for most players. Ryan Giggs is an exception proving a brutal rule: life’s short at the top.
Realistically, the better the player, the more likely they are to look elsewhere for glory and european football, when many contracts expire next month at Rangers.
Clearly, from all this, the only reasonable response from Ibrox should be relief and gratitude that they still exist. Scores of clubs, charities, individuals, businesses, councils and colleges across Scotland, the UK and beyond are owed money by this football club – and so are all of us owed at least £13m in deliberate unpaid taxes aka fraud aka serious crime.
The only thing Scotland and the UK taxpayer need hear from Rangers PLC today is the word “sorry”. That’s about as likely as a Craig Whyte pitch-side press conference at Ibrox.
With the start if the summer transfer rumours I think we are, for the first time in quite a few seasons, in a very strong position. We have at the moment a TEAM, who work for each other. Considering our young team lost two of last seasons outstanding
players for large parts of the season and we still won the
league is surely a good sign
Sffs, wee Oscar not great this last couple of days. Not eating and NG feeds (through nose to belly) going straight through him. He had a stab at a McDs happy meal yesterday but couldn’t manage much. Possibly return of the dreaded mucusitis. He’s a fighter though I’m sure he’ll be grand in a day or two!
Off to visit him now with the wee ghirl!
Petec
No problem, I think I am with you in the not convinced camp.
would be sorry to see Fraser go also
Only passing on info.
………coupla questions on the definitive ‘walk of shame’….
1) What percentage of jaiked participants will have the regulation limp?
2) Will there be any be-tassled Oompah (loompah?) ‘traditional’ flute-based musical accompaniment?
3) Will there be any sojers in full regalia involved? ( or has all that schhhtuff been dropped due to the Big Elephant In the Waiting Room)?
Just askin’.
Knoxy
Please God wee Oscar will get well soon.
Monaghan1900 on 17 May, 2012 at 11:34 said:
FF is truly hilarious this morning:
“Lord Carloway, Chair Of The SFA Appeal Panel, has an interesting history
He was the Judge who ruled that a satirical football song mocking Shellik supporters, which many believe to be simple banter, was entered into Scottish legal history as ” anti-Irish racism “. Its astounding how the SFA manage to find these individuals.”
———————–
“its a disgrace, this would never happen down in england.
time for foreign judges imho
the taigs have took over all that was good
i hate scottish fitba now”
Two Spanish and a Maltese okay?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2010 Never Again
Doesn’t the reference to foreign judges ring any bells with you?
The inmates on folgen folgen ain’t the brightest you know…lol
The R*ngers Fighting Fund….instructions for their “We do walking around and round” day…
“You will be allocated a time slot depending on the initial of your surname and these slots will be communicated here on rangers.co.uk.”
If they allocated by first name there would be an awful lot of folks with the name William not know if they should be at the front with the Bs or at the the back with Ws.
If ever there was an ironic name, it surely is the Rangers Fighting Fund.
Wow, every media outlet is full of angry Huns threatening to boycott this and set fire to that. Is this the end of the world as we know it?
dixiebhoy69 on 17 May, 2012 at 12:11
Fighting talk despite crushing defeats
There is still a lot of work to be done.
leftclicktic on 17 May, 2012 at 12:06:
twists n turns 10.38
“This could be your chance to walk around the famous Ibrox Stadium”
Alternatively – just wait until it’s a supermarket.
To raise much needed cash for the ole RFF, ole Dick Byrne has offered to sit on his wallet for 1872 days, or until the result of the big tax case, whichever is later.
Knoxy2000- my little girl was very ill from birth. Needed a heart op amongst other ongoing stuff. She couldn’t feed properly so we used a ng tube for milk. They wouldn’t let her home for a few days until i had learned how to change the ng tube.
When i look back I’m amazed we all managed but you do find a way.
Good luck and wish Oscar well.
I don’t think we should be too cynical of the aul’ walk round the scheme in Govan.
They normally walk for 1690 – the 17th Century, they have zoomed into 1872 – the 19th Century.
An equivalent leap forward in the future might bring them to the modern day.
Of course they seemed to have missed the 18th Century’s Age of Enlightenment.
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon on 17 May, 2012 at 11:47 said:
pedrocaravanachio6,
”I’m sure the stipulation was that if he didn’t pay interest would be added. The fine was imposed on Whyte personally so only he is liable. I would assume that the SFA can sue if he doesn’t come up with the cash.”
The SFA’s Judicial Panel Protocol states
11.5.4……..”The Parties consent to registration of the Tribunal’s Determination for preservation and execution”
http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/resources/documents/SFAPublications/ScottishF
Apublications2011-12/Scottish%20FA%20Judicial%20Panel%20Protocol.pdf
Consenting to registration for execution is the equivalent of a court judgement against you.
I’m not sure though whether Whyte as an individual would be regarded as being a Party within the terms of the protocol. It would though make sense that as part of the club licensing process he would have had to submit himself, as an individual, to the jurisdiction of the Panel.
…….Is 1872 (pounds sterling) the anticipated total they expect to raise?
(That’s no even gonna cover Dumb and Dumber’s dry cleaning bill when the brown stuff really hits the flannels………)
Steinreignedsupreme
:)))))))) :)))))))))))))))
May God Bless and help wee Oscar to get better. H.H.
Paul67
Over the years of observing the old SFA disciplinary process one constant was Rangers very, very seldom received just punishments.
Only once do I remember Wullie Collum of all refs sticking to his guns on an ordering off of Kenny Miller. Smith (W) was not very happy. Otherwise decisions always favoured Rangers.
Since the new process was introduced McGregor, Aluko and McCulloch have been caught with only Naismith escaping, probably on sympathy grounds and now this.
Refereeing has to be next but in a way that rewards them for consistency of good work from game to game.
That goes back to the very important point in your previous blog of restoring trust in the way football in Scotland is governed. Do that and genuine worries about integrity will be assuaged
Philosophically had effective deterrents to wrongdoing been in place and applied in the first place Rangers would have learned in less painful small doses what wrong actually is, as opposed to being buried in an avalanche of wrong as they are now.
Part of me feels sorry for the Huns as vultures are just circling to capitalise on their misery…
None more so than Paul HardcastlKe who has remastered and released his epic ’19’ track to ’17’
Lyrics as follows:
In 2012 RFC seemed like just another FOOTBALL TEAM
but it wasn’t.
It was different in many ways, as so were those that did the teamsheets
In 2011the average age of the hun team was 26…
In 2013 he was 17
In inininininin 2013 he was 17
(Sandy Jardine’s voice)
The shooting and fighting of the past two weeks continued today
25 miles west of Ibrox
I really wasn’t sure what was going on (Ally’sVoice)
Seventeen. Seventeen 17 se- se se seventeen 17 17
I really wasn’t sure what was going on (Ally’sVoice)
Petec
How apt! The extended edition! A bit like rangers impending death :-)
There is no wizard, financial or otherwise that can save them now!
2010 Never Again
From Celtic Supporters Association
http://www.thecsa.co.uk/showthread.php?t=580
Association Branches vote for selective Bhoycott.
Much has been said and written about what could and should happen in the event of a Rangers Newco being allowed back into the SPL without the appropriate sanctions. Supporters of clubs up and down the country have made it clear that sporting integrity must take precedence over commercial interests.
We have canvassed our branches within the Celtic Supporters Association, and the vast majority have declared support for a selective bhoycott of those clubs who support the admission of a Newco.
In the event of that scenario coming to pass we would then look to consult with the other major supporters groups, and with those who have an influence within the Celtic support with a view to calling an open meeting of as many Celtic supporters as possible.
We fully understand the very difficult decision that has to be taken by some clubs regarding the potential loss of commercial revenue through the likes of live television and sponsorship deals, but that cannot be allowed to be more important than operating in a fair and just manner.
If the boot was on another foot, like that of Dundee Utd, or Kilmarnock, do these chairmen think that they would not be booted out without it being given a second thought? and that goes for all the gang of ten.
There is a long way to go until all the investigations are complete, I believe in the coming weeks stories will come out which will be even worse than is already out there, and it may well result in court proceeding taking place.
I would say to all the other supporters who are not members of the Celtic Supporters Association, give great thought and consideration to joining us in taking action in the event of a Newco being allowed back into the SPL.
There will be plenty of opportunities to voice your opinions in the coming weeks, please feel free to contact myself either through our web site, or directly.
Just by way of some additional information, I was looking at some of the figures for fans visiting Celtic Park, in the season just finished, if you don’t count Rangers fans, a combined total of less than 4,000 supporters of other teams visited Celtic Park, on Sunday one of the Scottish Cup Finalists (Hearts) brought less than 100, and they say they don’t need us, well let’s just see.
Kittoch,
You did disclaim it very well :))
And Alex Thomson boots a size 12 into ‘The People’ and their pitiful response so far.
CultsBhoy loves
heaven 17 : crushed by the wheels of Timdustry :-)
Auldheid,
Referees will have to have their fear removed.
All that is required of them is to perform their duties, without fear or favour.
The confidence to do this must comefromtheir their supervisors.
It is the final piece of the SFA Reformation(?).
Congrats to you for your balanced, persistent and authoritive
I hear Michael Owen is leaving Man U. Haven’t seen him playing for a while (not sure if anyone has) but at 32 could still do us a turn for a season or two I think. Decent goal ratio when he’s not injured
Oops,
…..campaign.
Thanks also the John Reid and the Celtic Board(correct spelling)
God rest Paul Mc. Bride.
the Ireland team will wear black armbands in the game against Italy in Euro 2012, on the 18th anniversary of the Loughinisland massacre (the day we beat Italy 1-0 in USA ’94). A thoughtful and fitting touch.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18100365
Pedrocaravanachio67
Nice one :-)
I actually think it would be dangerous to field 16-17 yr olds in an SPL game…
By Xmas they’d need to order more treatment tables… Big difference between 17 yr old players and Men players..
Dobbo 12:13
„Mr Z, I hear our old mate Semir Stilic is available on a free. However he has a 6 match ba for some form of chanting incydent!!. Crazy Staff”
Yeah, sure, He is free and that is big shame. Should be closed In a toilet room untill transfer window closes.
When the league was over, Lech Poznan players had meeting (celebrations) with their fans on Market Sqare In Poznan. There was the moment when Semir Stilic took the microphone and sang „Legia is old wh**e …” Some of their supporters liked that song and sang with Stilic. The very next day that chanting leaked. Legia spokeman wrote : “We wholy understand euphoria after Lech Poznan won prestigious fourth place but we can’t accept chanting that abuses our club and supporters. We also understand that Semir Stilic might be dissapointed by the fact that In the last coupe of weeks his agent offered him to Legia Warsaw but we declined these offers………………”
Polish Ekstraklasa banned Stilic for next 6 games In Poland and Europe. He has to pay big money to Polish Ekstraklasa.
Legia informed that Stilic wanted to Legia!That was shock for Lech supporters. They did not know that.
He is an idiot. His first explanation to the media was that he did not know what word „wh**e” means In Polish. Four years In Poland and has to pay aditional money for last lesson. Everybody who wants to take him must know that he is banned. I read the news that this accident cost Lech Poznan 200 000 GBP in a whole.
The winners, Slask Wroclaw sang similar song with „f****ng Legia” words. We are waiiting for decisions and punishments. Never happened here that players sang against another team.
Jello And Gelato. Michael Owen is not the type of striker we need imo he is well past his sell by date.We should be looking for a tall strong striker who can lead the line well and is a good attacking header of the ball and preferabely in his early twenties.H.H.