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. TBB –

     

     

    Had I known I’d have skipped forward rather than scrolled back. I really wish I hadn’t scrolled back. Laters….

  2. Canamalar it looks like OCD obsession on

    greenin….,

     

    I remember getting chastised for one of my alternative expressions only to be called a prick within two posts and not a word, damn miffed was I, but the piper calls the tune and I expect no less than a a reprimand.

     

    While I’m at it I would like to apologise to those good fellows of the blog who did not need to suffer my indiscretion, sometimes my knitting gets so twisted I just scweem and scweem with frustration, sorry ghuys, ghals and bhaby celtic supporters I let my emotions get the better of me.

     

    Maybe time for a sabatical.

  3. Prestonpans Bhoys..I have NEVER listened to Clyde…I prefer my emails, tweets, texts etc to be ignored by a nation-wide panel of clowns. I am usually writing some of my own drivel while it is on in the background and I try and get at least one sarcastic comment off on each subject.

     

     

    It is not the worst show on the radio, but coming third behind the weather and shipping forecasts is probably not what they are aiming for. I may have told them that as well! :)

     

     

    Coming from an Opus Dei background, self flagellation is in my genes….and my jeans.

     

     

    Hail Hail

     

     

    Matt

  4. What is the Stars on

    Clogher/Mahe

     

     

    Re Rebel songs in Dublin Pubs

     

     

    Storm in a teacup I would imagine

     

     

    Some pubs cater for and encourage all types of singing/music

     

    Others strictly forbid any type of singing ( The Gravediggers in Glasnevin where I spent some quality time with many on here for instance doesnt allow any form of singing,still a great pub)

     

     

    Some pubs possibly have a political agenda against rebel songs,but they would be few and far between.

     

    I think

  5. The Green Man says SACK THE Board on

    WITS

     

     

    I also believe that the Celtic Trust, have an influencing machine hidden somewhere down a dark lane in Glasgow.

     

    As we speak, they are pumping out a strange miasma that overcomes the rational mind.

     

    Ask James Tilly Matthews, and Fu Manchu.

     

    Its all true i tell ya:)

     

    HH

  6. What is the Stars on

    The Green Man

     

     

    Agreed

     

    and I think the scoundrels have kidnapped Tony Donnelly

     

    He is bound and gagged in a basement in the Gorbals right now,being brainwashed in the teachings of Chairman Mao

  7. Margaret McGill on

    If I remember correctly Celtic were all for Paul McBride being vocal about the Offensive Behaviour Act to stop Celtic supporters singing IRA songs. What changed?

  8. The Green Man says SACK THE Board on

    WITS

     

     

    I believe they call them ‘The Air Loom Gang’

     

    World domination by magnetic waves.

     

    Im shutting my windows and putting my tinfoil hat on….just in case:)

     

     

    HH

  9. WITS

     

     

    I think you’ll find it is not Mao, but Chairman Matt

     

     

    Hail Hail

     

     

    Matt

  10. glendalystonsils on

    MATT STEWART on 31ST MARCH 2016 6:51 PM

     

    Prestonpans Bhoys

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Just tweeted them with a question that ‘if they go up, will they come straight back down?’

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Don’t think that will be chewed over.

     

     

    I think I’ll follow that up with two questions…..’what happens if there’s a second liquidation event before then?’

     

     

    and

     

     

    ‘is there a cure for apoplexy?’

  11. Corkcelt

     

     

    Rainbow of people and opinion last Sat at the Hootenanny and no major squabbles. The internet is just scribbling on a bog wall.

     

     

    Not to be taken to heart

     

     

    Hail hail

  12. Canamalar it looks like OCD obsession on

    Mags,

     

    being told to sing the songs in an appropriate place, such as a bar or a club was ok, might have had people thinking, ok then that’s what I’ll do, and did.

     

    they harmed the club :)

  13. Back to Basics - Glass Half Full on

    BRTH @ 18:02 – possibly the best post I’ve read on cqn this year.

     

     

    Many thanks.

     

     

    Hail hail

  14. 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…….

     

    Paul, No argument that politics is the dirtiest of businesses. It being so, I wouldn’t be so sure that the absence of a majority government, presumably of any political complexion, will guarantee the repeal of the OBA. It is not unknown for politicians to change their tune following the transition from opposition to government.

     

    Despite some of its members being against Thatcher’s anti Trade Union legislation whilst in opposition, in thirteen years of untrammelled power, Labour changed not one comma of it.

     

    Similarly, whilst in opposition there were Labour MP’s whose conscience would not allow them to support a Tory led war against Iraq. Later in government they had no problem supporting Tony Blair in a war against the same Iraq.

     

    Possibly some cosmetic amendment to the OBA. Outright repeal. Don’t hold your breath.

  15. Bashi-Bazouks from previous article.

     

     

    Apologies for the late reply. Pesky work called.

     

     

    Great post and to reitterate what others have said ” Don’t be a stranger ”

     

     

    I still think we need as many lurkers as possible to have their say. It is always better to hear the voices of the many not the few.

     

     

    I do wonder though; has the last 7 pages helped that goal ???????

     

     

    Hail, Hail to all, and especially to those who are lucky enough to be in Paradise this Saturday.

  16. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Brogan at 6.54, thanks for that explanation about shareholders with a small shareholding.

     

     

    I agree that the current PLC model could be improved to hopefully involve more shareholders.

     

     

    Thank you also for the explanations with regard to Resolution 12. It certainly has helped me a great deal in my understanding of what had and is happening

  17. GreeninbingleyinOslo on

    Canamalar it looks like OCD obsession on 31st March 2016 7:11 pm

     

     

    My post was just a joke, intended to relieve the 400-psi pressure that was building on the blog.

     

     

    No need for a sabbatical FFS. This place is being poisoned by Level 5 stooges and hun shitbubbles. Last thing in the world that’s needed at this time is a retreat.

     

     

    KTF

  18. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    The two articles by Hugh Gallagher about Stevie Murray and Brian Mclaughlin , were very good reads.

     

     

    Thank you, Hugh.

  19. Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Oscar Knox, MacKenzie Furniss and anyone else who fights Neuroblastoma on

    WITS

     

     

    Thanks for putting me straight on the Celtic Trust.

     

     

    I had heard that they were preparing motions to encourage the board to allow a naked zumba class to take place during a game at least once a month. A certain section of one stand would be exclusively reserved for uptempo lateral movement which would involve stretching, co-ordinated bunny hops and each row in turn performing the plank.

     

     

    At the current time, only health and safety at Celtic park have approved the plan, although the security guys say they may welcome the innovation provided they can install more secuity cameras to film the entire event.

     

     

    Other clubs have been reticent. Some have pointed out that this section would be directly behind one of the goals and that for at least 45 minutes their time may well be distracted and denied clear goal scoriong opportunities.

     

     

    Leigh Griffiths has been very enthusiastic as it presents him with plenty of scoring opportunities.

     

     

    Ian Bankier has said that he will be “very disappointed” in the support if they go for this sort of thng and Peter Lawwell is not for anyone losing pounds of any sort within the stadium as that might damage his reputation.

     

     

    One club, which shall remain nameless, has asked if their fans could join in when visiting Celtic park but have added a caveat saying that some of their support may well not want to go fully naked and have asked if they would be allowed to keep their sashes and brown brogues on.

  20. Evening…fairly lively tonight….saw advertisement “our pies are pure mince” written on side of delivery wagon the other day….brilliant..

     

     

    Paddy T

  21. Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Oscar Knox, MacKenzie Furniss and anyone else who fights Neuroblastoma on 31st March 2016 6:02 pm

     

     

    Very good post. Thanks.

     

     

    It highlights to me something that I think has been missing from the Res 12 journey; good communication.

     

     

    You have outlined that the decision to “adjourn” Res 12 was made ahead of the AGM. That astounds me. I went to that meeting expecting to hear a discussion of the issues. I understand that if it had gone to a vote then it would have been voted down, but I think the way forward would have been different if that had happened.

     

     

    However, when Morrissey stood up and proposed the adjournment, my reaction was “NO; It is being kicked into the long grass”, and I voted against the adjournment.

     

     

    Now 2 1/2 years on I find out this had been agreed in advance. That there was a good reason behind the tactic. Why was this not communicated at the time? I’m not saying I agree with the tactic, but finally I understand it.

     

     

    I asked a couple of weeks back to see what questions had been sent to the SFA by Celtic (the SFA having refused to answer question from Celtic shareholders) and what answers Celtic had received back. I struggle to understand why the questions and answers cannot be shared. I think this is about good communication just as you did at 18.02.

     

     

    At what point will you Res 12 bhoys give up on the current strategy – Shareholders -> Celtic -> SFA -> UEFA?

     

     

    Is there a plan B when the you come up against the UEFA brick wall, or is that the end?

     

     

    I really do admire what is being done and have no idea where the money (or time) is coming from for solicitors etc.

     

     

    TIA

  22. Well good evening. Every day it seems brings more intrigue.

     

     

    Let’s forget about the red squirrel of EBTs and concentrate on the meat.

     

     

    The battle for the truth, lies and misinformation and misdirection. Wow cqn has it all.

     

     

    Firstly it seems that Celtic are very keen to help write letters to the Scottish government about pesky fans getting far too much influence. The daily record of course span the story as they always do to paint Celtic as worse than others but there is no doubt they did.

     

     

    But they won’t write to UEFA to sort out cheating.

     

     

    Priorities eh. Tsk.

     

     

    I loved this quote

     

     

    Celtic’s supporters are the lifeblood of the Club. We already enjoy very close, regular and meaningful liaison with our supporters through various means and in fact, as we stated in our submission, we positively encourage supporter involvement and engagement.

     

     

    I think that statement can be filed under “total bolloks”. I seem to remember just recently at an agm that pesky fans petitions where called racist. That’s what I call encouragement.

     

     

    Now for Paul. We have the most magnificent spin ever. The govt are err threatening Celtic with imposing supporter influence cos Celtic have publicly come out against the OB. Wow. Now that’s supposition.

     

     

    I am no fan of this facist Scottish government and been less a fan of the OB. It’s great that Celtic very rarely come out and say they don’t like the OB but let’s face it they aren’t doing anything more about it. Incidentally I do agree that the Scottish govt should not be using Scottish football as an err political errr football. But for Paul to suggest we get behind Celtic as they are fighting the cause for the OB isn’t just insulting everyone’s intelligence.

     

     

    Like I said yesterday man Celtic are rattled.

     

     

    But Celtic supporters are now presented with more evidence of Celtics contempt for its support. They won’t write a letter or get involved in res 12 but they will to stop more supporter influence.

     

     

    Spin that.

  23. Canamalar it looks like OCD obsession on

    Greenin…,

     

    I know, but lionroars67 I know is a good Celtic supporter who actually goes to games and development games, became a holy willy today , I’ve seen him on here get tore in during political debates, and I really don’t want to be polarising like that or giving the opportunity to like likes of big nan to make up wee lassie story’s that try to compromise the integrity and unity of everyone who supports pushing through res12.

     

    Kill ultra and patsy are no even Celtis supporters so I really don’t give a funkeys muck about them.

  24. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    GREENINBINGLEY

     

     

    Hear,hear. Too many quality posters even to mention have chucked it.

  25. BRTH

     

     

    Great stuff from you this evening.

     

     

    Your typing finger must be worn down to the knuckle.

     

     

    And Corkcelt … Get yet bahooky back on this blog.

     

     

    VIP

  26. TBJ has no trust in the PLC on

    Heard a zombie zoomer on snyde responding to gerry minestrones comments about the tetrapak cup being a wee Diddy tournament

     

     

    Said that winning that would be an achievement as celtice have never won it . And that after 3 years of entry in the tetrapak getting to the final and winning it was all part of ” the journey ” since they were relegated .

  27. TBJ has no trust in the PLC on

    Fly on derrys wall …. who’s wall would you most like to be a fly on when the bailiffs arrive to seize possessions to cover the ebt tax non payments.

  28. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    It would be a huge boost to our players if the crowd on Saturday back the players from the first whistle to the last.

     

     

    The ref is that Madden character and if he refs like he did previously at Celtic Park , let’s just say, the Hearts players’ ‘enthusiastic’ tackles will be tolerated by him .

  29. The Green Man says SACK THE Board on

    TBJ

     

     

    Got to be Barry Fergushun.

     

    Cannot wait tlll his greetin bankrupt interview in the DR.

     

    ‘Its no fair says Scoddland Leg end Barry’ by Keef Jackass.

     

     

    HH

  30. Jungle Jim, Haven’t flounced from blog just from the politicos will be back for Live Updates thread Saturday.

  31. Celtic Shares and Nominee Accounts

     

     

    Those with shares in Nominee Accounts have 3 ways that enable you to exercise a vote:

     

     

    1. Get the broker to appoint you as their proxy for the number of shares for which you are the beneficial owner. This will allow you to attend the meeting.

     

     

    2. Get a “letter of representation” from the broker in respect of the number of shares for which you are the beneficial owner. This will enable you to attend the Meeting and vote as if you were the owner of the shares at that meeting. The letter will allow you to attend the meeting.

     

     

    3. Vote via a mechanism that some brokers have introduced where you can notify them how you wish to vote and they will submit a proxy form to the company (instructing the Chairman how to vote on their behalf). This does not allow you to attend the meeting. Only a few brokers offer this voting facility.

     

     

    The bottom line is don’t buy shares in Celtic via a nominee account. You want to be on the share register. It might cost more, but get hold of a certificate in your own name.

  32. Canamalar it looks like OCD obsession on

    Terje…,

     

    Every step as been updated on here and previously PhilMac’s site, the adjournment was explained on both at the time, the problem with communications is that not everyone paid attention, hence not understanding the implications of the decisions made, some may have been unaware but the info was all made public.

     

    There’s also those who read and didn’t like/understand what was happening, CST for example.

     

    But the long and short is, the information has always been available to those who asked, as big nan knows, those who didn’t ask either paid attention to our updates and accepted when there was something to share we’d share, or weren’t that interested and would never accepted what was being shared was the truth, no worth bothering about IMO but BRTH and Auldheid tried their best to satisfy the doubters, me, well you know what I’d have told them don’t you.

  33. blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on

    JungleVIP

     

    Some roaster on here earlier saying he knew you

     

    Blinking trolls eh. ;-)