Fans group’s plea to SKYTV

Dundee United supporters’ society the ARAB TRUST have called on SKY TV to show their commitment to Scottish football.

DUNDEE UNITED supporters’ society the ARAB TRUST have called on Sky TV to reveal as a “matter of urgency” its ongoing commitment to the SPL.

The broadcaster has yet to confirm it will sign a new deal to show games from the top tier of Scottish football next season as it waits to see what develops at crisis-hit Rangers.

If the financially-stricken Ibrox side is liquidated, there is a strong chance any “new co” would not be readmitted to the SPL, denying the broadcaster the ratings boost of at least four Old Firm games.

In the event of that happening, Sky may contemplate pulling the plug on its TV deal altogether, leaving clubs looking at a major financial shortfall.

In United’s case, based on this year’s figures, instead of receiving around £1.4 million in centrally-distributed funds, it is believed they would get closer to £300,000 a reduction of £1.1m.

Added to the projected shortfall in gate income, they would stand to lose some £1.4m, or 30% of turnover.

Despite that, the ARAB TRUST believes clubs should still be able to vote to deny a new co Rangers immediate re-entry to the SPL to maintain sporting integrity which is why they have called on the broadcaster to clarify the situation.

In a statement, they said: “There is little doubt that over the last few weeks, the attitude amongst many supporters has hardened against the re-admission of a Rangers new co to the SPL.

“This has been due, in large part, to the damning report issued by the SFA and also to what many regard as the unapologetic attitude and threatening, bully-boy antics of certain individuals associated with Rangers.

“However, it remains incongruous that in denying a re-admission, many completely innocent clubs may, in relative terms, be punishing themselves much more than the guilty party.

“This defies natural justice and, given such circumstances, it is understandable that some are reluctant to call for a ‘no ’vote.

“It is imperative therefore that the situation with Sky is clarified as a matter of urgency. As a national broadcaster, they should be called upon to confirm their ongoing commitment to the SPL as a whole and not just appear to give the impression that their interest is solely based on the provision of four Old Firm games per season.

“In the event of a vote on a new co application to the SPL, clubs must be able to vote on the grounds of sporting integrity alone, without the fear of the unknown preserving the membership of a club which has been found guilty of such serious breaches that the SFA considered terminating its membership.”