McArthur hits back at bullying claim

DUNFERMLINE chairman Ross McArthur has hit back Inverness following alleged claims of bullying over the key vote which saw the three SPFL divisions below the Premiership curtailed.

The Pars chief announced himself as the figure point of a scathing statement by the Highland club on Sunday that highlighted “bullying and threats” made by a member of the SPFL board.

Inverness did not name McArthur, but the Dunfermline chair felt he had been accused.

He said: “It is not only regrettable but extremely embarrassing, that I have to provide this statement following the release of accusatory comments in a Club Statement made by the Chairman and CEO of Inverness, I am sadly now left with no option but to put the record straight.

“The individuals have been very careful not to mention me by name, but their intended target is clearly apparent.

“In life, you stand and fall by your reputation and your actions, and I thank the very many people from other clubs who have contacted me since these “leaked” WhatsApp messages first surfaced, to offer their support. I like the company I keep.

“Since the SPFL director’s resolution was first issued, a number of clubs in the Championship would confirm it is the behaviour of Inverness that has continually been aggressive and confrontational. However, no one felt it necessary to win points in public, as robust conversations take place in the normal course of a competitive business like football.

“Turning to the “allegation” regarding the information that was conveyed by me to Inverness FC, on Friday 10th April 2020.

“It most certainly wasn’t a threat, simply a potential consequence of their action not to back the SPFL resolution currently put in front of them, in favour of a counter resolution which was being mooted at that time.”