SPFL lodge defence to challenge

The SPFL has lodged its defence to the legal challenge raised by Hearts and Partick Thistle.

The clubs are challenging their relegations and seeking compensation if they cannot overturn the decision.

Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers have also submitted papers to the Court of Session in Edinburgh after Hearts and Thistle notified them they were seeking to stop them being promoted.

No date has been set for a hearing.

The dispute arose from the controversial vote by clubs to terminate the season in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and decide final placings on a points-per-game basis.

Four attempts at league reconstruction subsequently failed to prevent Hearts, Thistle and Stranraer being relegated.

The SPFL has sought to avert similar public division by proposing its board has the power to rule on any Covid-19 related emergencies for next season only.

In a letter to clubs quoted on the STV website, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Whilst there was a clamour for the SPFL board to ‘show leadership’ and to make decisions to steer the SPFL through the crisis, the board were constrained by current SPFL rules which forced the board to seek approval from the members at various stages in the process.

“The attached resolution, if passed, would give your board the authority to make decisions in relation to season 2020-21, in the event that Covid-19 causes dis-ruption to the season.”

Clubs have 28 days to submit their response.