Dispute not helping Scottish game amid crisis, says Clark

Raith Rovers chairman Bill Clark insists Rangers’ war with the SPFL is an unwanted “distraction” and is costing Scottish football valuable time amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Clark was one of 41 club chiefs who received the Gers’ 200-plus-page document yesterday, outlining their grievances with the voting process which saw the lower leagues called last month.

While adhering to terms of confidentiality, Clark did note that “there is a difference between accusations and evidence”.

Clark also sought to emphasise that Raith felt neither mislead nor bullied by the SPFL, Neil Doncaster or any other member club during the process.

He is adamant Raith, who were declared champions of League One when the divisions were ended, “have no intention of becoming involved in an issue between Rangers and the SPFL” – but feels this has become a lamentable sideshow.

He said: “It’s an exceptionally long document and there is a lot to digest – but there are a few points already in the public domain, it seems.

“Speaking as the chairman of Raith Rovers, I can say that we were not bullied or coerced in any way.

“I’m not really the type to be bullied! “I can also say that I don’t feel mislead or underserved by the information provided by the SPFL prior to casting our vote.

“I feel like we had the relevant information at the time and I still feel like that.

“I’ve no intention of becoming involved in an issue between Rangers and the SPFL but it is fair to say this continues to be a distraction.

“This is costing us valuable time when all of our focus should be on the future and ensuring Scottish football manages to come through this.”

Raith Rovers chairman Bill Clark.