Doncaster: We’re happy with SPFL’s conduct

NEIL Doncaster has reinforced his belief that the SPFL did the best for their 42 member clubs despite criticism from Hearts over his apparent ‘self-congratulatory’ reaction to the recent arbitration win.

Tynecastle chief Ann Budge blasted Doncaster and co after the SFA arbitration panel concluded that her club as well as Partick Thistle would be relegated.

Budge claimed the decision was ‘shameful’ and that the SPFL handled the fall-out incorrectly. But Doncaster has spoken out on the issue and insists they did things in the ‘fairest way possible’ and claims the governing body are ‘pleased’ that Scottish football can now draw a line under things and begin to look forward.

“Covid-19 has caused huge financial damage to the whole world and Scottish football is absolutely not immune to that,” he told Sky Sports. “Other than the three clubs who got promoted, plus the Premiership champions Celtic, all the clubs ultimately lost the opportunity to improve their position and improve fee payments from the league, or perhaps to get promoted through play-offs.

“Yet, despite so many clubs that were arguably disadvantaged by the outcome, over 80 per cent felt it was the only way and the fairest way to deal with it. We’re certainly pleased that the decision gives us clarity and certainty and enables us to look forward. I think the whole process has been largely misunderstood by a number of people.

“We have to remember that when we went into lockdown in mid-March – unlike in England where players were able to continue to train and that enabled the Premier League to get back up and running and finish their season off – that option wasn’t open to us.

“There was never any realistic possibility of the season completing and that was accepted by all 12 Premiership clubs. Hearts themselves accepted that the season needed to be brought to an end.”