I enjoy Roddy Forsyth’s articles and broadcasts but I’m staggered at today’s article in The Telegraph. The initial headline read “Scottish clubs fear bankruptcy if Rangers are stripped of titles for tax avoidance”, but was amended to “SPL (sic.) clubs fear they will be hurt financially themselves if Rangers stripped of titles”.
Justification for this claim lies with the fact that clubs who lost a cup final to Rangers during their tax evasion (not avoidance) era, may have to pay a win bonus to players, which would be enough to tip them into bankruptcy.
These clubs would, we are told, prefer to sit tight as runners up, than be awarded a cup win. One chairman told Roddy, “Celtic might be able to afford that but nobody else could”.
Nobody else could afford a win bonus, so let’s not impose the unwelcome burden of winning on them! Consider what that makes supporters of these clubs!
Another chairman told Roddy, “my view is that the EBT scheme was questionable and maybe even reckless from the start but they were given expert advice and they acted on it”. “Questionable”, “reckless”, I think the word you’re looking for is illegal. Paul Baxendale-Walker’s expert advice was only one aspect of his flamboyant commercial undertakings.
Documentation was also hidden from HMRC, the SFA and SPL, and as ‘Mr Black’ told the Tax Tribunal, the ruse was designed to recruit better players. Who win more trophies.
Falkirk, Queen of the South, Dundee, St Mirren, Dundee United, Motherwell and Ayr United all lost finals to an EBT-fuelled Rangers, as well as Celtic, of course. Let’s hear from any of them who don’t want the matter formally examined. And let the door slam on their backside on the way out of competitive sport. Forget what’s happening in Russia, this is going on TODAY in Scotland!
If any of these clubs are campaigning for Rangers to keep their EBT trophies, it’s important their fans know about it. Roddy doesn’t suggest his two chairmen-sources come from any of these clubs, in fact, he describes them as “SPL” chairmen, the former name for our top flight.
So who are they?
Celtic, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts can all be excluded from consideration. Think what you like about any of these clubs, but I cannot imagine any of their chairpersons considering this nonsense. Which leaves:
Kilmarnock. Michael Johnston is no longer chairmen, that role is fulfilled by Jim Mann.
Partick Thistle: David Beattie.
Motherwell: Brian McCafferty.
Inverness: Kenny Cameron.
Dundee: Bill Colvin.
Hamilton: Les Gray.
Ross County: Roy MacGregor.
St Johnstone: Steve Brown.
To the horror of Accies fans, in 2012 Les Gray said “SFL clubs should not be put in the position to vote on something which may destroy Scottish Football”. I wonder what Les is saying off the record now.
The Brown family have chaired St Johnstone through many issues, but their fans were off the mark quickly in 2012 to let Steve know their thoughts the last time Scottish football faced a decision to follow the rules, or not.
Roy MacGregor bristled with irritation when others tried to influence him in 2012. He has a reputation of knowing his own mind.
I don’t know anything about Bill Colvin, Kenny Cameron, Brian McCafferty, David Beattie or Jim Mann, but I suspect the names of both Roddy’s chairmen are on this page.
You’ll never read a better insight into why corruption was allowed to fester in our game than the glimpse available in today’s Telegraph, or that it remains endemic. Scottish football cannot be a comfortable haven for lawbreaking.
Maryhill Foodbank
Remember, there’s a Christmas toy collection for Maryhill Foodbank at Wild Cabaret, THIS Saturday, 14 November, from midday to 4:30. Families who don’t have money for food don’t have money for Christmas toys. If you have something you can donate, drop it in. There’s mulled wine and mince pies on the go.
You’ll find Wild Cabaret at 18 Candleriggs (0141 552 6165).
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blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on 13th November 2015 9:02 am
‘[20] Mr. [Dave King] is a tall, slim man in his 50s. He appeared to be very confident and not in the slightest uncomfortable about giving evidence and being cross-examined. He is intelligent and articulate and appears to be well-versed in the intricacies of the financial world and the purchasing and selling of shares on the JSE. Notwithstanding these advantages he made a very poor impression as a witness. He is extremely arrogant and obviously thinks that whatever he says is so. It was demonstrated that he deliberately misrepresented the facts of the case to his legal representatives, to SARS in correspondence and at the section 74C enquiry and to the representatives and solicitors of the Y Trust. As his evidence progressed it became clear that he has no respect for the truth and does not hesitate to lie or at least misrepresent the facts if he thinks it will be to his advantage. There can be little doubt that on most occasions Mr. [Dave King] lied as he knew the correct facts and obviously decided to misrepresent these facts. In cross-examination Mr. [Dave King] often avoided giving a proper answer to the questions. Sometimes he simply ignored the point of the question and gave a long rambling answer. On other occasions he resorted to bluster or to attacking the integrity of the cross-examiner, accusing him of misrepresenting the facts to the court. He also attacked the integrity of the Commissioner’s attorney, accusing him of presenting facts to the court knowing them to be untrue. It is significant that the appellant’s counsel have not attempted to make anything of these allegations. They clearly consider that there is no merit in these allegations. We saw Mr. [Dave King] testify in chief and in cross-examination for four days and are unanimous in finding that he is a mendacious witness whose evidence should not be accepted on any issue unless it is supported by documents or other objective evidence. It was remarkable that Mr. [Dave King] showed no sign of embarrassment or any emotion when he conceded that he had lied to the Commissioner in a number of his income tax returns. In our assessment he is a glib and shameless liar.’
http://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/dave-king-a-mendacious-witness–tax-court
Cheers Ernie
The English press will only take an interest if their clubs are caught up in the ebt shenanigans
And that could be soon
The SFA’s interpretation of the SARS court judgment that allowed them to conclude that he was a fit and proper person:
‘South African judge describes Dave King as a tall slim man, confident, intelligent and articulate, well versed in the intricacies of the financial world.’
TBB
That has been said, from croftfoot, Simshill, kings Park , spittle, Carrmunock? Who knows, as I said I know lots of people in the scheme and Huns all around Kings age, and no one I know, went to school or where in his class, it’s a strange one indeed, not only to me but Huns too, as they want to claim him as a Castlemilk boy, one of there own, because, there ain’t to many here, but the ones that are, are ok, in my opinion.
Re Hibs-I’m sure Rod Petrie is keeping an eye on the Huns trading insolvent.
new article posted.
I think the words that the SA judge said where somewhere along the lines of……”I want every word that comes out of this mouth to be documented “,,,,,,,,,,,Kings mouth that is….not me :)
TD67
King went to Netherton Primary in Castlemilk at the same time I was at St Dominic’s. He sat next to a friend of mine at school. She told me he was extremely bright and was taken out and sent to Alan Glen’s. His da was a cop and they lived down at the Polis houses in Drakemyre. Wee Frank’s parents live in that house today. My brother in law also knew him, said he’d a milk round with the Edmondson milk mob.
Morning all.
Dreich isn’t the word for today’s weather. Way worse than that.
Still, our principle ogres are brightening my day. Am I right in thinking that yesterday both King and Green (through his lawyer) directly contradicted statements they made 2 or 3 years ago: King about the (non)sporting advantage and Green about the same club?
“Like something out of a Bond movie” James Forrest writes . Well remember James Bond was actually there in the form of Sean Connery. A guy who used to come along to Celtic Park became good buddies with SDM enjoying the heady days of (cheated) success at Ibrox .
I saw him in Dunkeld with a north african mid-fielder (forgotten the name)who Murray was trying to sign. Connery was giving the player and guided tour of Scotlands beauty spots in his sports car as part of the sales pitch.
My friends in Celtic,
Trying to follow the most recent episode of the “Reservoir Rangers” saga. As part of Mr Greens severance deal he signed an agreement for any future legal costs if he was dragged back into the pit. Surely Mr Brown can produce the signatures from all parties. Simples.
Part with the dosh you cheating bassas.
HH.
It would be really unfortunate if we didn’t get some Sevco related laughs on Friday 13th…
Are we becoming spoiled by all this hilarity? Will we ever be able to adjust to normal life again after Sevco die, where you don’t spend all day laughing? I for one feel underprepared for this eventuality.
On the best squad I’ve seen game:
Simpson, McGrain and Gemmell; Murdoch, Van Dijk and Connelly; Johnstone, Dalglish, Larsson, Auld and Lennox. Subs: McStay, Burns and Robbie Keane.
Naps
Off to Cheltenham early tomorrow so will leave nap now.
Boondooma in PP Gold Cup.
Gl all
Good luck at Cheltenham tomorrow Twists n Turns, One of my favourite tracks, many enjoyable days and nights there.
I’ve backed Art Mauresque in the PP but for my nap going for
Wetherby 215 Kayf Blanco
Good luck everyone
That should read 315 Wetherby Kayf Blanco!
Copper kay 4.05 chelt
Southern Gailes 12.15 Lingfield
13:35 @ Punchestown – Guitar Pete – NAP!
Good luck everybody.
Mindurownbusiness 14:00 @ Lingfield Park.
Theatre Territory 4.05 Cheltenham
Good luck everyone.
4.05 Cheltenham – Copper Kay
Twists if the 4.05 is your “get out” race at least i have jinxed one of the fancied horses
Best of luck to everybody having a wager today
Cheers GFTB
Boondooma in 2.25 at Cheltenham. Travelled down yesterday and looking forward to my first ever visit to the home of jump racing.
Taking a punt on gevrey chambertin in the 3.00 at Cheltenham… Be lucky bhoys!
Can’t say that I agree with the weight it’s carrying,but
JOHNS SPIRIT Cheltenham 225
14:25 Cheltenham
Darna
HH.
Cheltenham 14:25 – Boondooma
Happy Punting
Sound Investment in the PP Gold Cup. Hope it is….!
Horrific events in France last night. Thoughts very much with families affected there.
T4
Cheltenham 3:35 CHAMPAGNE EXPRESS
Good luck everybody.
Today’s NAP
GO CONQUER
1:40 Uttoxeter.
Good luck bhoys .
Upswing 1.50 Cheltenham
Fingertips 12:40 Cheltenham…good luck.
Naps here today… good luck y’all !
fleagle1888
Futuramic 100 punchestown
Maverick wave 3:10Lingfield.
Good Evening from a very hot and humid Cebu………….
Today’s hurriedly selected nap is……….
ART MAURESQUE 2:25 Cheltenham……..
Regards & Hail Hail
TBM
Irish Cavalier 2.25 Chelts.