YOU’LL RUIN US
Court battle is going to have ‘catastrophic’ effect on clubs
HEARTS and Partick Thistle were last night warned their joint £10million legal battle with the SPFL could leave Scottish football in ruins.
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed this week, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers — the three clubs who were promoted as a result of the season being curtailed — have all been served with court papers.
The legal action seeks to reverse the two clubs’ relegations after the campaign was cut short by the coronavirus crisis. Should it fail, Hearts are seeking £8m in damages and Thistle £2m.
However, if successful, it could prevent United being promoted to the top flight and Raith and Cove going up to the Championship and League One, respectively.
Last night, the three clubs hit back, spelling out the potentially ‘ruinous’ effects on them and ‘catastrophic’ financial consequences of the court action on all 42 SPFL clubs. In a joint statement, they
vowed to fight their own corner vigorously. It read: ‘On Wednesday, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were served with a petition lodged in the Court of Session by fellow SPFL member clubs, Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle, which, if successful, could prevent our clubs’ promotions, and potentially have catastrophic financial implications for every SPFL member club as well. ‘Whilst we are extremely unhappy we have been drawn into this legal action, we can confirm that we immediately instructed external lawyers to act on our behalf and to protect our clubs’ interests. ‘Since the SPFL resolution was passed on April 15, 2020, which confirmed us all as title winners who were to be promoted, we have undertaken preparations for a new season in new leagues. ‘Our removal from those leagues would be ruinous on and off the field. ‘We have each had a successful season, brought to a premature end by something bigger than our clubs and our sport. ‘Our status as champions of our respective leagues is not being contested, and nor should the promotion which has always, and should always, come with it. ‘The legal action that has been raised not only threatens the financial stability of the SPFL, but also its individual member clubs. For all of these reasons, we must and will robustly defend our position.’ The SPFL board met yesterday to discuss growing anger amongst clubs at the legal action. And sources refused to rule out three clubs proposing a resolution to expel Hearts and Thistle from the league. As Sportsmail revealed yesterday, SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte has contacted both clubs to discuss their interpretation of Article 99, which states member clubs should resolve any football dispute via an SFA tribunal rather than the Court of Session.