Early proceedings in Utd fate debate

THE case against the SPFL that has embroiled Dundee United began at the Court of Session today.

The action taken by Hearts and Partick Thistle threatens to halt the promotions of respective divisional champions United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers.

After league reconstruction talks collapsed, Jambos owner Ann Budge launched the legal bid with Thistle which contains a claim of up to £10 million in compensation.

The case has been brought because of a resolution that was passed by the majority of the 42 SPFL member clubs in April.

It decided final placings in the Championship and League One and Two by points-per-game.

The vote also gave the SPFL board the power to take the same action in the Premiership, which they subsequently did.

Thereafter, a proposal to reconstruct the leagues to a 14-10-10-10 structure was rejected by the member clubs.

In the court papers, which have seen by Tele Sport, lawyers acting for Hearts and Thistle stress the need for a quick resolution because of the threat of fixtures being produced for the new campaign – the Premiership is due to start on August 1 – without their names included in the top flight and Championship respectively.

They are asking for an interim interdict to prevent such a restart, threatening the Premiership’s lucrative new broadcast deal with Sky Sports.

Dundee’s controversial nothen-yes vote to end the season below the Premiership also forms a crucial part of the case.

The Jambos and the Jags want the Dark Blues’ initial stance to stand and therefore nullify the original resolution.

Last month United legend Maurice Malpas criticised the Hearts and Thistle for dragging the Terrors into their legal dispute.

He said: “It shows a lack of respect for Scottish football and the rest of the teams in the SPFL.

“I know it isn’t fair on Hearts and Partick Thistle but that is what the other clubs voted for.

“You can understand Hearts and Thistle having a gripe because there were still a few games to play and they still had a chance of staying up.

“It is wrong they are challenging United, Raith and Cove. These teams haven’t done anything wrong.”

Court proceedings which could dictate whether Dundee United are hosting Premiership football at Tannadice next season or not begin today.

Hearts chief Ann Budge.