Tax Man cometh, Scottish Gov front after OBA protests

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I know there’s been widespread criticism of many in the media for not confronting former Rangers EBT beneficiaries, now working alongside ‘proper’ journalists, for not holding ex-players to account for the enormous sums of money diverted from the tax man. I’ve spoken to a few journos who have tried to make headway on this story but been denied comment, access, or even contact details from colleagues.

The defensive line on not discussing this subject was originally “My EBT was legal and is a private finance matter”. This changed last year when these EBTs were found to have broken tax laws at appeal, when the line was changed to “This is a private finance matter which is subject to appeal”.

All fair enough. A consequence of the original legal status and ongoing appeals is that no one has broken ranks on those responsible for imposing this state of affairs on a football club, the tax man, or individual players.

The Daily Record today report HMRC are pursuing players for the payment of tax on EBTs. My understanding is that many (if not all) players received a letter from the “Club” indemnifying them from tax. Watch how quickly you’re told “Not this club, it was the club that died”.

You’re going to need patience for this one, it could have years to run, but I expect ranks will break eventually.

You can read subtext, can’t you? The Times report today that Celtic and the SPFL have written to the Scottish Government telling them to keep their noses out of the running of football clubs. This was after the Government responded to pressure from Celtic to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football’ Act by hitting them on a subject they knew would cause conflict with some fan groups.

Push on the Offensive Behaviour Act and watch what happens with the Fan on the Board issue which you enjoy so much but seemed to have lost momentum.

Politics is a dirty business. All this to deflect criticism of an ill-conceived, ineffective, bad law, instead of just repealing it, which will happen as soon as we no longer have a majority government. Anyway, Don’t Blame Me…….

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613 Comments

  1. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    Wee joke courtesy of E-TIMS…

     

     

    “Speaking of driving, the bloody police pulled me over the other day, and this jobsworth fourteen year old pointed out that the car was weaving from side to side quite erratically…

     

     

    ” I’ve had a fair bit to drink, ten, maybe twelve beers ” I explained

     

     

    “Thats still no excuse to let your wife drive , sir ” he said.”

     

     

    Here aw week-aw naw,back to Swindon tomorrow…

  2. blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on

    WC

     

    Indeed .

     

     

    Looking for a wee boy of help/advice

     

     

    New back door and alarm has been disconnected. Anyone know any bhoys who can replace or repair?

     

     

    Btw gang hut still secure.

  3. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    Blinkin’ flip,has everyone gone round to break into BLANTYRETIM’s house?

  4. blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on

    BMCUW

     

    Mrs BT will make them a cup of tea

     

    Hope they come on and tell me how her tea is ,I’m still waiting

  5. Cannae wait for tomorrow’s game.

     

     

    For one reason or another, this’ll be the first time back in my seat since the new year.

     

     

    Plus I hate these international breaks …

     

     

    VIP

  6. Having read Phil this morning I’m more convinced than ever that the EBT story is a giant squirrel.

  7. Jungle VIP

     

     

    I cannae wait either. 6.50 flight from Dublin tomorrow with a leaving do from 5.30 today!

     

     

    Taxi man will have to lift me oot of my scratcher

  8. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    CONEYBHOY

     

     

    I should be in Crown Creighton on Duke St pre-match if you fancy a beer.

     

     

    Then off to catch my train,I hope!

  9. ConeyBhoy

     

     

    For those out on the bash in Dublin from 5.30 today and catching a cab to the airport tomorrow a.m. please be aware of life’s one certainty…. Death in taxis.

     

     

    Hail Hail

     

     

    Matt

  10. Early errands before the trip to Paradise to see the champions so early nap is

     

     

    Men of Harlech in the Lincoln

     

     

    Best of luck,

     

     

    EC67

  11. Gerryfaethebrig on

    3.20 Doncaster – Shared Equity

     

     

    As well as Cheltenham cheers for all the hard work Fleagle1888, much appreciated, this nap competition reiterates how bad I am at even trying to get one winner, but most enjoyable

     

     

    Best of luck to all

     

     

    Cheers GFTB

  12. Was going to go for ‘edge of heaven’ at Kempton jus cause it was one of my fav Wham hits,but now that I’m more mature and into gangsta rap…im going for

     

    MOBSTA 3.20 DONCASTER.HH N GL.

  13. CQN Saturday Naps Competition

     

     

    Lads, Saturday naps on here today, please…

     

     

    All of the outstanding naps results have (eventually) been updated, and there is little change at the front of the pack… however, a queue of fast-finishers are positioning themselves just in behind our two long-term leaders.

     

     

    16 roads is hanging on to his lead by a nose…

     

     

    Naps updates and table are posted here:

     

     

    http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/assessing-defenders-and-graduating-talent/comment-page-12/#comments

     

     

    Cheers, fleagle1888

  14. Think I need snookers already so taking a punt on donncha in the 2:15 at Donny… Be lucky all and c’mon the hoops

  15. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    FLEAGLE

     

     

    Begging your indulgence again,selection from

     

     

    LEFTCLICKTIC

     

     

    SILSOL 220 Kelso

  16. GRAFFITIONTHEWALL on

    Good Morning .

     

     

    Shantou Magic

     

     

    3:05 Newbury.

     

     

    Good luck to everyone.

  17. Lads, today’s nap from the Beirut jury is:

     

     

    RIGHT TOUCH for handicap genius, Richard Fahey (Don 2.15)

     

     

    Happy punting… fleagle1888

  18. Kelso 2.20

     

     

    Only 7 runners but several different picks.

     

     

    I am going for knockara beau.

     

     

    Cannae get beat

  19. Vailant Nonantais in the Newbury 2:00 for me

     

     

    Good luck to all

     

     

    Hail Hail.

  20. What is the Stars on

    Shades of midnight 2nd race kelso really fancied

     

    dusker in the first at kempton and the last lion 430 doncaster

     

    Also been given Tipper up Harry in the 5.15 at Navan

     

     

    However for my nap I will go for a mad outsider Emell in the 2.45 Doncaster

     

    66/1 .need it