SPFL calls for Rangers chairman to back up statement claims

The SPFL chairman has called on Rangers to back up claims the governing body’s vote on how to end the season was not carried out fairly.

A statement released by the Ibrox club on Saturday said a whistleblower provided them with allegations that the decision on ending the Scottish Championship, League One and League Two seasons was reached unfairly.

But the governing body hit back at the club’s interim chairman Douglas Park, who called for SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster to be suspended.

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “It is extremely concerning that Rangers have chosen to make a number of very serious allegations against the SPFL, its corporate governance, its culture, its office-bearers and its business operations.

“In the often-heated atmosphere of Scottish football, rumour and misinformation can very quickly reach fever-point.

“However, allegations of a lack of even-handedness and fair play go to the very integrity of the league and I would expect Rangers interim chairman Douglas Park to present compelling evidence to back up his claims, or to withdraw them.

“I anticipate that the SPFL board will convene early next week to discuss a wide variety of issues and I will be writing to Mr Park asking him to urgently communicate any and all information he possesses in order that the board can take whatever steps are necessary.”

Mr Park claimed he was “shocked” by a lack of leadership within the organisation and called for more transparency.

He said: “If ever there was a time for complete openness and transparency, it is now.

“Crucial decisions are being made on the issues of promotion and relegation behind closed doors and without proper time for consideration or debate.

“The farcical conduct of this affair seems to me to bring the corporate governance and business operations of the SPFL into sharp focus.

“It is an example of an undemocratic culture, which has existed within the SPFL for far too long.

“We call for the suspension of the SPFL’s chief executive Neil Doncaster and its legal adviser, Rod McKenzie, while an independent investigation is conducted.”