MacLennan calls for unity but Gers remain bullish after vote loss

THE vote was lost but Rangers’ desire for change at t he t op of Scottish football lives on.

Yesterday’s ballot of Scottish football clubs on a resolution to hold an independent inquiry into the SPFL’s handling of the controversial season-ending decision resulted in defeat by 27 to 13, with two abstentions.

Dundee, Dundee United and St Johnstone were understood to be among the ‘no’ majority.

The tone of the subsequent reaction from Ibrox was less volatile than some may have expected but the message of refusing to back down remains rock solid.

The Rangers statement said: “A light has been shone on the SPFL’s governance and, regardless of the attempts to debunk our report, there is widespread acknowledgment that it highlighted serious issues and failings which remain to be addressed.

“A management culture which not only fears accountability and scrutiny but which actively campaigns against it, is unhealthy and breeds continued mistrust.

“This culture, so deeply embedded, must be addressed if Scottish football is to flourish.

“It is clear that many members have lost confidence i n the SPFL leadership and the need for change will not diminish. The status quo cannot hold.”

Whether that means Rangers will now pursue a legal challenge is the next big question.

Meanwhile, SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan has called for peace to break out i n Scottish football.

MacLennan, one of the high-profile participants in the acrimonious war of the statements that preceded the vote, is now seeking a line to be drawn i n the sand, emboldened by the result.

“The l ast few weeks have been bruising ones for many people i n our game,” he said.

“Far too many words have been spoken and written which have sown anger and division amongst clubs. That is a matter of t he deepest regret to very many people in our game, myself included.

“I know those who proposed this resolution will be disappointed but I trust that everyone involved, on both sides of this argument, will now respect the c l e a r, democratic and decisive result we have seen today and allow our game to move forward together.

“The overwhelming majority of clubs voted to oppose this resolution and it’s now incumbent on all clubs to put their differences aside, otherwise we will all suffer together.

“I have taken careful note of t he concerns expressed by the minority of clubs which voted in favour and when we are back to playing football in a safe environment, I will bring clubs together to discuss the lessons learned.

“Every single one of us understands t hat t he Covid-19 pandemic has brought huge challenges for our game, which we must overcome soon if we are to save all 42 clubs and restart the sport we all love.

“If Scottish football is to survive this, we simply must unite. We must do everything possible to get games back up and running by the end of July.”

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan.