There has been a pattern for me in recent days. I’ve read a statement by a current/former football club director, then I’ve gone looking for corroboration, just in case the report is a sabotaged attempt to make the author appear foolish.
A statement was released by former Rangers chairman, Alastair Johnston yesterday, discussing the current SPL Commission looking into how his board administered football player contracts. I agree with him that any “capital punishment decision” should not be left to the SPL, but the SPL have no authority to impose capital punishment on a football club. The decision to terminate a football club can only be taken by the SFA (I am discounting the reckless behaviour of directors), and is perhaps a reason the SFA decided to delegate this inquiry to the league. It is interesting timing for Johnston to put this on the table.
Johnston’s main thrust is in connection with the SPL Commission, saying “the SFA wrote to us asking for more details about the public speculation concerning our financial and tax situation. The latter obviously referenced the impact of the EBT schemes as creating a potential taxation liability.
“The club responded accordingly and provided details, as it had done in previous years, by declaring player salaries, bonuses, benefits, etc., but also payments made to a Remuneration Trust. The SFA compliance officers must have known, both from the description and context of the reports, that such expenditures had some connection to player compensation.
“However, without any further investigation at the time, Rangers FC received its SFA license to compete in the 2011/2012 season. Rangers, therefore, were entitled to believe that they were not in breach of any SFA regulation requiring reporting of player compensation.”
Mr Johnston clearly implies that the SFA were in receipt of sufficient information to ascertain if Rangers correctly registered players (and considering the SFA president was on the board which sanctioned these decision was have to wonder), but the key point is missing from his testimony.
While disclosing this information to the SFA did Rangers reveal the existence of the alleged second contracts? For the purposes of the SPL Commission, it doesn’t really matter how much players were paid, or if they received this money through a Remuneration Trust, what matters is: were contracts submitted and players correctly registered? If not, then it doesn’t matter what else the club submitted to the SFA.
Sir David Murray, then Rangers owner, vehemently denied the existence of second contracts as recently as March this year, so it would appear unlikely that Rangers revealed these allegedly non-existent contracts at an earlier date.
Labouring this point slightly Johnston said: If the SFA now decide to adopt a more focused evaluation of the data they request from its members in order to be granted a license, they should ensure that the legislation upon which they rely for enforcement and the corresponding sanctions are more transparent and predictable.”
For clarity, the information the SFA requires in order to grant a club licence is not being changed in any way. The SFA and the SPL do, however, require clubs submit player contracts as part of the player registration process. It is not the club licence which is in doubt here, it is the registration of players, Mr Johnston, we have to wonder why you are trying to focus away from this matter.
Our own club was brought into the issue: “A lawyer representing Celtic recently was successful in having charges against that club dropped because of the inadequacy of the SFA’s prescribed rules, regulations, and sanctions. The same principle should apply here.”
Perhaps time is playing tricks on Mr Johnston’s memory. Paul McBride ensured a punishment imposed on Neil Lennon (not Celtic) was enforced in line with SFA rules. Johnston also meanders on the subjects of match fixing and financial doping, distancing his former club from both, but neither charge is of any consequence.
Despite his extensive diatribe on the subject, at no point does the former Rangers chairman deny the central allegation – that for over a decade Rangers gave dozens of players second contracts which were not registered with the SPL or SFA. Like Charles Green the previous day, he never suggested Rangers have been wrongly accused, he just complains about the club being accused.
There is a degree in Cognitive Bias in this matter if anyone is looking for material.
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dwptom-Thanks for post.
Ernie-“The naive and the gullible are impressed by him.” Your cynicism knows no bounds,have you ever been truly happy ? A few posts on a subject very close to the hearts of those who go and support football,no cynic too small? The blog sniper act is boring.Do you think PL is an Old Etonian going by his statement?
Not sure if someone’s posted already.
New billynowel vid,its pretty weird but good.hh
Philvis
no sorry don’t get that last post at all… I have no religious beliefs but if it makes someone a better or happier person to believe then fine. If because of your belief you kill people then I think that’s probably not what your God had in mind …. If he/she exists
gordybhoy64 – but ı dont recall any crıtıcısm from you regardıng the torıes
I believe I recently pointed out that David Cameron is a loser.
He’ll also be gone at the next election.
However my dislike of the man doesn’t mean I agree that he must be a lying dastard when he expresses concern over things like Hillsborough. Apparently if you went to a good school you must be pretending to have normal human emotions. (thumbsup)
Philvis
You are correct I would be loathe to criticise the Muslim religion for fear of my life but I have been in places in the US where to criticse Christianity would be just as foolhardy…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a placard made that says ‘ ‘Equal rights for gays’’ and walk up and down any roadside in the Bible belt. See how long you last.
Full of admiration for the families of the 96. 23 years of pain, strife and struggle to achieve what they have today. What they have uncovered is hardly surprising, that they have forced the authorities hand is. I hope that they eventually find closure, and that justice is done.
All people make mistakes, but covering up those mistakes in such a fashion is quite unforgivable.
Today is also a day for Police forces up and down the country to hang their heads in shame.
yorkbhoy – OK buddy, thanks. (thumbsup)
phılvısreturns.
as ı saıd ıt wasnt only todays posts that made me ask.
but thanks for the reply anyway.
ı wıll be watchıng anyway for an antı tory post from you,
should be a smıley here,but ın turkey and cant fıgure
out the keyboard
Liverpool FC release a statement: “After 23 long and painful years, our fans have finally been fully exonerated of all blame. Today, the world knows what we have always known, that Liverpool fans were not just innocent on that terrible day but that there was reprehensible and hurtful misrepresentation of the truth.”
Lest we forget ————-
” I know what I learned on the spot , there would have been no Hillsborough, if a mob ,clearly tanked up , had not tried to force their way into the ground”
Bernard Ingham —– Margaret Thatcher’s Press Secretary
” Sheffield MP Irvine Patrick revealed that in one shameful episode a gang of Liverpool fans noticed that the blouse of a girl trampled to death had risen above her breasts. As a policeman struggled to revive her , the mob jeered , ‘ Throw her up here and we will * *** her ‘
The Sun
istanbulcelt – Have a placard made that says ‘ ‘Equal rights for gays’’ and walk up and down any roadside in the Bible belt. See how long you last.
Have you been bludgeoned on the head to traumatically that you are confusing the USA with rural Turkey?
People can and do hold placards that say “equal rights for gays” in the Bible belt. They hold gay pride parades. They have gay bars. They even had staged a public kiss-in recently in protest at a fast food chain’s owner being critical of gay marriage.
Do you know how many people were killed, maimed, or even bruised as a result?
None. (thumbsup)
You know who said the reappearance of Declan is like a new signing
PF AYR
No CL packages left ?
Surely not.
The Celtic fans must think that the package includes a Celtic v Zombie FC game.
Only show in town apparently.
Celtic supporters will soon tire of this CL nonesense. :>)
copyright SSB
Trevor Hicks, one of the family representives, reveals three people from among the families fainted when the findings of the report were revealed.
Kelvin MacKenzie, who was the editor of The Sun at the time of the Hillsborough tragedy and who wrote the headline The Truth, has offered his “profuse apologies to the people of Liverpool for that headline”.
The families have branded the post-Hillsborough fall out “a disgrace to the system itself”. They said many officials knew the information revealed by the panel 23 years ago. They add that the families have been put through “pain, heartache and mud slinging… they were the liars and we were the truthful ones, the innocents… We will always be the losers at Hillsborough”.
Trevor Hicks said the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report revealed shocking “depths of depravity” in the way the police tried to blame the fans after the disaster
Trevor Hicks, who lost two daughters a Hillsborough, has called for those involved in the alleged cover-up to “resign and stand up and apologise”.
Trevor Hicks says former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie’s apology to the families of the victims is “too little, too late. The man is low-life”.
More from Kelvin MacKenzie’s apology: “I too was totally misled. Twenty three ago I was handed a piece of copy from a reputable news agency in Sheffield in which a senior police officer and a senior local MP were making serious allegations against fans in the stadium. I had absolutely no reason to believe that these authority figures would lie and deceive over such a disaster.”
Michael Mansfield QC agrees with journalists that Hillsborough is the “biggest cover-up in British history”.
Speaking on the BBC News Channel, David Crompton, current chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, “profoundly apologises” to both the families of the 96 Hillsborough victims and Liverpool fans in general.
Chief constable David Crompton adds that South Yorkshire police officers at the time “lost control” and admitted “lies were told about what happened”.
Chief Constable David Crompton: “Some grave errors were made in this case but it would be unfair to widen it out any further.”
Chief Constable David Crompton says the police statements were amended after officers sought “independent legal advice”. He adds that “people thought it was the right course of action at the time” but concedes time has shown it was not.
South of Tunis
With your criminal record Sicily should suit you fine!
;0)
sipsini
>>>>>
Weirdest yet….but I still recognised the hun.
Lennon n Mcmjallby- ole Lightnin’ has the blues, no doubt about it.
!!Bada Bing!!
15:24 on 12 September, 2012
My points were about call me Dave, and I mean that most sincerely folks, Cameron.
No one else.
The guys a spiv.
The Inquiry (set up by Labour, some people haven’t grasped that detail) is unequivocal and extremely critical.
What the hell do people expect him to say?
Truth today – justice tomorrow
The OFFICIAL judgement on the ratbags who covered up Hillsborough is no sooner in than the rumblings of damage limitation have been heard via the msm.
Is there no depth these cretins will not sink to. They hit the bottom of the pit and pull out shovels.
@ sipsini
Ever have any luck with the Traynor and Spence spat on Shortbread?
“@McNallyMirror: Amusing moment as Hicks asks any Sun reporters in the room to leave. Lawyer Mike Mansfield replies “Would they be truthful?” #Hillsborough”
South Yorkshire Police Statement starts with the wrong date! Jesus Wept…
On 18th April 1989, 96 of the Liverpool fans went to Hillsborough to watch the FA Cup Semi Final and died as a result of the disaster. On that day South Yorkshire Police failed the victims and families. The police lost control. In the immediate aftermath senior officers sought to change the record of events. Disgraceful lies were told which blamed the Liverpool fans for the disaster.”
“Statements were altered which sought to minimise police blame. These actions have caused untold pain and distress for over 23 years. I am profoundly sorry for the way the force failed on 15th April 1989 and I am doubly sorry for the injustice that followed and I apologise to the families of the 96 and Liverpool fans. South Yorkshire Police is a very different place in 2012 from what it was 23 years ago and we will be fully open and transparent in helping to find answers to the questions posed by the Panel today.”
ernie lynch
15:03 on 12 September, 2012
Auldheid
14:59 on 12 September, 2012
Marx’s favourite motto:
De omnibus dubitandum
=========================
Are you saying I’m a comedian or a commie?
I’m not sure ;)
Another CQN blogger once likened my thinking to Cicero, ever day is a school day on CQN.
Well nearly.
ernie lynch – He was probably only pretending to be happy when his children were born. Those Old Etonians are a devious bunch. (thumbsup)
It is worth reminding oureslves now and again just how the MSM fawned over David Murray’s proligate reign at Ibrox.
Check this from wee Shug on 4 April 1999
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/photo/14044151/Hugh+Keevins+fawning+piece+SM+4+4+1999
When does the double registration panel announce the stripping of titles ?
Rangers hearing to commence on 13th November and last until 21st November. Oldco and newcomer invited invited to appear
It is worth reminding ourselves now and again just how the MSM fawned over David Murray’s profligate reign at Ibrox.
Check this from wee Shug on 4 April 1999
Chris McLaughlin @BBCchrismclaug
commission set up to investigate allegations of dual contracts at #Rangers throw out clubs protest over legal authority. Probe will continue.
>>>>>>
Glad to hear it. There are. Lot of jokes in the 3 words at the end. Have at it.
: > )
istanbulcelt – Have a placard made that says ‘ ‘Equal rights for gays’’ and walk up and down any roadside in the Bible belt. See how long you last.
Have you been bludgeoned on the head to traumatically that you are confusing the USA with rural Turkey?
People can and do hold placards that say “equal rights for gays” in the Bible belt. They hold gay pride parades. They have gay bars. They even had staged a public kiss-in recently in protest at a fast food chain’s owner being critical of gay marriage.
Do you know how many people were killed, maimed, or even bruised as a result?
None. (thumbsup)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you been bludgeoned on the head to traumatically that you are confusing the USA with rural Turkey?
Eh?
I love the fact that all your examples of tolerance in the Bible belt seem to be text book cases of safety in numbers for gay people…
They hold gay pride parades. They have gay bars. They even had staged a public kiss-in recently in protest at a fast food chain’s owner being critical of gay marriage.
Ouch my head hurts!!!! (thumbs up) HH
effin keyboard. painkillerfingers.
Johnson also argues that the players bought on EBTs would have been signed anyway. How is this possible when the finances were already at tipping point?
3100315:05 on 12 September, 2012:
>>>>>>>
” Ah want mah e.b.t. ”
Fair enough…..jaicket⏩ exit
What was said back then about Hillsborough by When Saturday Comes.
http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1152-september-2012/8991-post-hillsborough-disaster-editorial
Safety has improved but what else in terms of listening to fans?
While Celtic officialy announce today the match packages for the CL are sold out. Green strikes back…
“The huge crowds we have attracted at Ibrox this season in the SFL and cup competitions have been the envy of football clubs UK wide and this game will be no exception as our fans yet again demonstrate their unwavering support for Rangers.
“There was speculation we would sell match programmes at £14 and charge fans just 50p for entry to the Motherwell game but we won’t do that as it is not the Rangers way.
“I would like to make it a fantastic evening so that Motherwell fans, or indeed fans from other SPL clubs that have the privilege of visiting Ibrox this season, remember what they are missing.
“Clubs have been benefiting from Rangers in league games and cup competitions for 140 years and this year will be no different.
“Our fans have turned out at Ibrox in huge numbers in all our games this season and few clubs in the world could count on that support.
“I know there will be huge interest in this game as we are playing the current SPL leaders and our fans will be out in force once again at Ibrox to support Ally and the team.”
Shock Horror Disbelief. Polis discovered telling lies!