SPFL set to lodge response to Hearts and Partick Thistle

The Scottish Professional Football League is expected to challenge Hearts’ and Partick Thistle’s legal action against relegation by 5pm tomorrow.

Officials at Hampden Park were given seven days to respond to the petition and must lodge their defence with the Court of Session in Edinburgh in the next two days.

If a response is submitted, all concerned must then seek a further order from the court either for a period of adjustment or to assign a hearing.

That could mean a civil case being heard in the court’s Outer House in the first instance.

Hearts and Thistle want their relegations reversed or they are claiming £8 million and £2m respectively in compensation from the SPFL.

The SPFL board is likely to argue that both teams were relegated because more than 80 per cent of SPFL member clubs voted for a resolution to end the 2019-20 season early after coronavirus struck.

Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer found themselves prematurely demoted as a result of the controversial ballot in April, in which Dundee were allowed to alter their original “no” vote to “yes” and cast the decisive strike.

Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were all promoted, while Celtic were awarded the Premiership title.

Hearts, Partick and Stranraer feel they were unfairly treated by being relegated with a number of league matches outstanding.

Officials at Tynecastle Park and Firhill submitted a joint legal challenge against the decision in the Court of Session last Wednesday and are now awaiting a formal response from the SPFL.

● Steven Maclean has returned to St Johnstone as one of new manager Callum Davidson’s two coaching assistants.

After ending his playing career on loan at Raith Rovers from Hearts, Maclean has been appointed as firstteam coach along with Alec Cleland, who was already part of the coaching team.