Hearts and Thistle claim trio’s actions risk ‘more division’

Hearts and Partick Thistle have blasted Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers over their legal battle fundraising efforts.

Promoted sides United, Raith and Cove have backed crowdfunding initiatives and are asking rival clubs to help finance their defence against relegated duo Hearts and Partick.

The dispute between the clubs comes after the SPFL’s resolution to end the 2019-20 season early, leaving Hearts, Partick and Stranraer feeling unfairly treated after their demotions and United, Raith and Cove’s promotions being called into question.

After the petition was suspended at the Court of Session last week, the hearing will now be taken to an SFA arbitration panel with the three promoted sides estimating legal costs of £150,000.

In a joint statement, Hearts and Thistle chiefs Ann Budge and Jacqui Low criticised the three champion sides, implying their actions in appealing to fellow clubs for support are not in the spirit of league rules.

They claim their battle is with the SPFL alone and the Tangerines, Raith and Cove are only being dragged into the argument because they are most likely to be affected by the outcome of the case.

The statement read: “As a matter of urgency, we would like to clarify our position alongside Heart of Midlothian in relation to the role being played by Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers in our case against the SPFL.

“Those clubs were named in the petition, along with Stranraer, because they are the clubs most likely to be impacted by a decision in our favour.

“We are not, and have never been, in direct dispute with them.

“The SPFL is opposing our petition and will do so at the forthcoming arbitration.

“Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were not therefore required to litigate or arbitrate against us. However, they chose to do so.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we accept that was a choice they were fully entitled to make, no doubt having been fully advised of the risks and costs.

“This is not about two clubs, Hearts and Partick Thistle, battling against other member clubs.

“This is about these two clubs battling against the organisation, which is meant to look after all of our interests, and holding them accountable for their prejudicial actions.

“We would contend that any club in our position would be taking similar action.

“However, encouraging clubs to fund anyone’s costs in this process could create further division.

“We consider such an approach to be at odds with the fundamental requirement of the SPFL rules that the SPFL and each club shall behave towards each other with the utmost good faith.

“We cannot, therefore, let that pass without comment.”