SFA and SPL subverting due process

Various people have demanded an explanation as to why executives at the SPL and SFA proposed to fast-track disciplinary procedures against Rangers and rubber-stamp access for their successor club into the Scottish Football League First Division.

There are two possible scenarios for this:

Rangers are guilty as sin, everyone knows it, results achieved by illegally registered players will be void and a severe punishment would be due.  If subject to due process, punishment from independent commission could be expulsion from the SFA.  “Powerful forces” at the SFA and SPL tried their best to protect Rangers’ successor club.

Or

Rangers are innocent of the charge.  This was an attempt to impose an inappropriate punishment on their successor club when they were vulnerable.

Neither explanation is satisfactory.

Sir David Murray, who was on the board which authorised remuneration during the period 2000-2011, when the unregistered second contracts were allegedly used, has categorically denied these contracts exist.  Earlier this year The Sun produced a redacted second contract and the BBC documentary into the club claims to have seen dozens of second contracts worth tens of millions of pounds.

Next month we will discover the true situation.  For the record, Celtic, nor any individual at the club, were not involved in any meetings, telephone conversations or emails discussing or promoting this accommodation.  The plan was also not put to the SFA board or the SPL board.

As we have noted before, if Sir David Murray is mistaken on the conduct of the former Rangers board, the toxicity attached to this SFA ‘franchise’ makes it untenable.

On other matters:

Spartak Moscow players Jurado and Romulo were both injured at the weekend and will miss the visit of Celtic next week.