Celtic back Doncaster to lead SPFL

CELTIC last night backed SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster to guide Scottish football through the coronavirus crisis – after attempts to force an independent investigation into the Scottish Professional Football League failed.

The resolution, which was initially proposed by Rangers, drew 13 of the 32 votes needed to pass. There were 27 votes against and two clubs abstained.

The Parkhead side say they are satisfied with the outcome and insist it was “irrational” to blame people like Doncaster and SPFL legal advisor Rod McKenzie for the crisis currently facing Scottish football.

And with the majority of Scotland’s teams in agreement, the current Premiership champions have called for the focus to be turned on survival amid these unprecedented times.

A Parkhead statement read: “Celtic Football Club welcomes the decisive vote by SPFL clubs to reject a lawyerled inquiry into the processes relating to the resolution approved last month with support from the vast majority of clubs.

“We are satisfied that there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by the board or executive and do not consider that such an inquiry is necessary.

“We now appeal to all clubs to look to the future in the knowledge that the threats which exist to the fabric of Scottish football are grave and unprecedented.

“All of our energies should be applied to planning for the return of the game in season 2020-21 and to the financial survival of all our clubs.

“This current crisis is the fault of no individual or organisation and it would be irrational to suggest otherwise.

“We greatly regret the denigration of named individuals who have, on every occasion, acted upon decisions which were made by the board of the SPFL, representing all 42 clubs.”

It continued: “The board and executive of the SPFL have operated under circumstances of unique difficulty in dealing with challenges of an unprecedented nature.

“Although Celtic are not directly involved in issues of promotion and relegation, we have great sympathy for clubs which will end up in a lower division.”