Petrie hits back after Colt claims from Ibrox

Robertson ‘inaccuracies’ called out by SFA chief

SCOTTISH FA president Rod Petrie has hit back at ‘inaccuracies’ from Stewart Robertson, the Rangers managing director, following his criticism directed at Hampden powerbrokers regarding the introduction of Colt teams.

Rangers and Celtic are in discussions with the Lowland League over a proposal that would see B sides play in the division next term.

The Old Firm would pay a fee of £25,000 to enter the Lowland League and the blueprint will be put to members at a vote next week.

Rangers have long been advocates of the Colts plan and Robertson was this week critical of the SFA and the SPFL for their handling of a paper that the champions produced.

But Petrie has now gone on the offensive as a war of words escalates over the timeline and substance of the latest incarnation of the Colt team idea that has come to the fore in recent days.

Petrie said: “The Scottish FA seeks to clarify inaccuracies contained in an interview undertaken by the Rangers Managing Director, Stewart Robertson, on the subject of the proposed introduction of B teams.

“The Professional Game Board agreed to a request from Stewart, as a member, to convene a working group to provide an innovation paper identifying ways in which Scottish football can improve its talent pipeline at elite end.

“Part of their proposal was the concept of B teams and their potential integration within the lower leagues of the Scottish Professional Football League.

“While the Scottish FA is supportive of any innovation that enhances the prospect of elite talent development, ultimately a decision on the introduction of B teams would need to be taken under the auspices of the SPFL rules relating to league competitions.

“At a virtual meeting on April 9, hosted by Stewart, and including a representative from Celtic FC, the SPFL and Scottish FA, there was general consensus on the call that given the adverse publicity and temperature among clubs, the proposal was unlikely to garner the support of enough clubs to enable the SPFL rule change to progress further.

“It was therefore agreed by both Stewart, on behalf of Rangers, and Celtic’s representative that pausing any detail being distributed to clubs would give the proposals the best chance of success.

“To repeat, the introduction of B teams as part of the innovation paper would require an SPFL vote, and after a season in which clubs have had to contend with the ongoing impact of COVID-19, a rushed decision would likely end in failure.

“It was unanimously agreed by the group, including Stewart, that the distribution any paper should take place once the 2020/21 season has