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Rangers are railing against the SPFL\u2019s plans to curtail the Championship, League One and League Two seasons, warning of \u201csevere consequences for the Scottish game\u201d and labeling plans to relegate clubs \u201cabhorrent\u201d.<\/p>\nRangers are railing against the SPFL\u2019s plans to curtail the Championship, League One and League Two seasons, warning of \u201csevere consequences for the Scottish game\u201d and labeling plans to relegate clubs \u201cabhorrent\u201d.<\/p>\n
With play halted in Scotland, the league announced proposals to immediately end the three divisions below the top flight and determine final placings by points per game in league matches played to date by each club.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s resolution also recommends that the Ladbrokes Premiership remains postponed for the time being, although final season placings would be determined by the same system if the SPFL\u2019s board determines matches cannot be played.<\/p>\n
That could see Celtic crowned champions for the ninth successive season and Hearts relegated, but the immediate impact of the plans would be relegation for Partick Thistle and Stranraer.<\/p>\n
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan believes the measures enable \u201cthe best possible outcome for Scottish football in these very demanding and unique circumstances\u201d \u2013 something Rangers robustly contest.<\/p>\n
Steven Gerrard\u2019s second-placed side are 13 points behind Celtic and \u201cfirmly believe that the 2019\/20 season is only complete when all 38 games have been played to a finish\u201d, while they say this SPFL resolution cannot be accepted.<\/p>\n
Rangers said in a statement: \u201cIt is important to recognize that these clubs across all the leagues are now in a financially precarious situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a club, Rangers will immediately propose a member\u2019s resolution which would release prize money to be distributed to all clubs throughout Scotland urgently.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that this is the priority in the present circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is vital to show respect for all clubs across the Scottish game, regardless of league position or financial standing. We must work together with a unity of purpose for the betterment of the Scottish game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also acutely aware of other issues which are less pressing but are forming key parts of the football narrative in Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing is more important than protecting the future of every club in Scotland as we are cognizant that this has a direct impact upon people\u2019s livelihoods.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is abhorrent that certain clubs could be unfairly relegated if the current SPFL proposals were implemented. We must future proof the Scottish game.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny restructure of the SPFL or other solutions to the current impasse must be afforded time to scrutinise in detail and consider all options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe consequences of forcing through change without due care and attention will have severe consequences for the Scottish game.<\/p>\n
\u201cScottish football must work together for the common good of every club, their staff and supporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny attempts to railroad changes to existing rules or run roughshod over corporate governance will be opposed in the strongest possible terms. We must allow decisions to be made in a rational, fair and balanced manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the meantime, we expect clubs to support our member\u2019s resolution which will provide financial support to those who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n
That strongly-worded statement was swiftly followed by Partick saying they \u201cwill simply not accept this proposal as it stands\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the proposal requires significantly more discussion, scrutiny and debate before any vote can be taken,\u201d the bottom-placed Championship side said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are now engaging with others to amend the proposal to identify a fairer and more equitable solution to address a number of inequalities it throws up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stevie Farrell, manager of rock-bottom League One side Stranraer, told Clyde 1: \u201cSporting integrity is about being equitable, it\u2019s about being fair and making sure nobody\u2019s at a detriment at these unprecedented times.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are only two teams that are going to be at a detriment, and that\u2019s Stranraer and Partick Thistle. And with a quarter of the season left, that\u2019s just not acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dundee United would be promoted to the Premiership if the resolution passes, while Raith Rovers would move up to the Championship and Cove Rangers would join League One.<\/p>\n
The SPFL circulated the resolution to its 42 members clubs recommending the immediate termination of the 2019\/20 season for those divisions, the cancellation of all play-off competitions and that final places are decided on a points per game basis.<\/p>\n
SPFL chairman MacLennan said coronavirus has left them \u201cwrestling with the enormous challenges\u201d, with chief executive Neil Doncaster admitting the situation regarding the Premiership \u201cremains particularly complicated\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is aware of UEFA\u2019s desire for the family of European football to work together to resolve the issues that confront us all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are keen to work with UEFA and remain in discussion with them over the situation in Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe quicker we reach a final position the better, but there is no doubt this is the most complicated and challenging situation our game has faced in living memory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock are placing their first-team squad, coaching staff, academy employees and the majority of administration staff on furlough through May.<\/p>\n
St Johnstone are furloughing most of their playing squad, coaching staff and non-playing staff.<\/p>\n