Doncaster back in the firing line and

Alfredo Morelos enjoys his only goal of 2020 – at Hamilton in the Scottish Cup – with Scott Arfield

Hearts and Partick Thistle have fired a new salvo in the direction of the SPFL and Neil Doncaster.

The clubs have taken exception to a letter signed by the ruling body’s chief executive ahead of a court hearing at Edinburgh’s Court of Session on Wednesday morning. The pair are disputing their relegations from the Premiership and the Championship.

They claim the letter is wrong and much of its content is misleading.

It was sent to all 42 member clubs and claims to be in response to requests for information about the court petition lodged against the SPFL, and another naming three promoted clubs – Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers.

No specific details of the case are mentioned, but Hearts and Partick Thistle do not believe there should have been any discussion or advice given to clubs prior to the submitted cases being heard in court.

A joint statement on behalf of Hearts and Partick Thistle said: “Along with the other 40 SPFL clubs, Hearts and Partick Thistle have received a letter, signed by Neil Doncaster, that relates to the forthcoming court case.

“It is wrong, and much of its content is misleading, and the timing itself questionable. We are currently awaiting legal advice on what needs to happen next.” Wednesday’s hearing could see legal procedures proceed further or the action could be suspended while the SFA are asked to arbitrate. Meanwhile, Rangers are set to get the chance to host an Old Firm derby 50 years to the day of the Ibrox Disaster.

It was on January 2, 1971, that 66 fans died and 200 more were injured in a crush at Stairway 13. Celtic were the opponents then and SPFL secretary Ian Blair revealed last night that the Hoops