Rangers FC Thread
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- Start date
Charles Green Statement
CHARLES GREEN, Chief Executive of Rangers, issued the following statement today:
“The Rangers Football Club Limited will not attend tomorrow’s hearing (Tuesday, September 11) of the SPL-appointed Commission investigating the circumstances surrounding the use of Employee Benefit Trusts by previous owners of the Club.
"The Club cannot continue to participate in an SPL process that we believe is fundamentally misconceived.
“Neither the SPL, nor its Commission, has any legal power or authority over the Club because it is not in the SPL.
"For that reason it has no legal basis on which to appoint its Commission. The Club ceased to be subject to the SPL’s rules when it was ejected from its league.
"Our lawyers have made that point repeatedly to the SPL in correspondence and yet our requests for an explanation from the SPL have been completely ignored. The SPL’s silence on these issues is deafening. The outcome of the SPL’s process will have no legal effect.
“First and foremost, I would like to explain this decision to our supporters across the world whose loyalty and commitment to the Club in very difficult times has been unwavering and heart-warming for all those involved at the Club. Our decision regarding this commission is approved unanimously by the Board and the Manager Ally McCoist.
“Since the decision was taken by HMRC on June 14 to reject administrators’ proposals for a Company Voluntary Arrangement, the fate of Rangers FC lay firmly and clearly in the ability of the consortium I led to form a new company and corporate entity that would ensure that Rangers had a future as a football club.
“At all times we were fully transparent in our dealings with the football authorities, be they the SFA, SPL or the SFL.
"There was no ambiguity whatsoever regarding the status of the company when it made an application to join the SPL.
"As we all know, 10 SPL clubs decided against the admission of the new company to the league and The Rangers Football Club Limited subsequently applied to the SFL for membership and we are grateful for their acceptance.
“In short, what was decided by the SPL membership is that Rangers was finished as a member of the SPL.
"Despite this, the SPL now see the new owners of the company, and the new company itself, which owns all the assets of Rangers FC - including SPL championship titles – as fair game for punishment for matters that have nothing to do with us at all.
"And let’s be very clear about what this Commission is. Although the SPL goes to great lengths to emphasise the independence of its Commission, the Commission is not independent of the SPL. It has been appointed by the SPL. It follows SPL rules and its process is managed by SPL staff.
"I don’t question the impartiality of the individual panel members but whatever decision they reach is a decision of the SPL.
“To make it crystal clear, the new owners purchased all the business and assets of Rangers, including titles and trophies.
"Any attempt to undermine or diminish the value of those assets will be met with the stiffest resistance, including legal recourse.
“Furthermore, we ask the question genuinely. Why did the football authorities do nothing to address an issue that was public knowledge for at least two years, and was reported in the Club’s accounts for several years, before the Club went into administration and was subsequently taken over by new owners?
"HMRC contacted the SPL regarding EBT matters in October 2010, they met to discuss what documentation the Club had lodged with the SPL.
"Did the SPL launch an investigation? Did they appoint a Commission? Did they ask to see EBT correspondence? Did they ask any questions at all? No. They did absolutely nothing.
“What compounds the breathtaking hypocrisy of the SPL in this whole saga, is that the SFA, the SPL and us - as the new owners - took part in numerous discussions regarding the new company’s league status during which it was made clear that a deal was there to be done where ‘the EBT issue’ would be dealt with as part of a package of sanctions which would be implemented in return for membership of the SFA and a place in either the SPL or Division One.
"We do not accept that people who are willing to come to an agreement on such matters then have a right to instigate a full blown inquisition when matters do not unfold as they thought they would.
“In our view, it beggars belief that an authority which can be heavily involved in these discussions to the point that the Chief Executive Neil Doncaster repeatedly stated he was not interested in stripping titles from Rangers can lurch from that position to setting up its own Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Nimmo Smith.
"I must make it clear that we are not questioning for a moment the integrity of Lord Nimmo Smith and his colleagues but we believe the SPL have been hypocritical in their approach to this matter.
"Quite apart from their negotiations with our consortium, I know the SPL were well advanced in their discussions with another bidder and his representatives where EBT issues were raised and there was again an understanding that the EBT issue could be dealt with by agreement if new owners were to take over at Ibrox.
“Why is the SPL rushing to judgement now when it has been sitting on the matter for two years? Their haste is particularly difficult to understand when the tax tribunal judgement is imminent.
"The factual issues in both cases are identical. We have to ask why is the SPL so anxious to issue a judgement in this matter before the tax tribunal’s findings are made public.
"The position is even harder to understand when one of the reasons the SFA did not pursue any form of disciplinary charge on EBT matters following Lord Nimmo Smith’s April report was because it was felt unwise for the SFA to pursue the matter when the tax tribunal judgement had not been made public.
"Nothing has changed as the judgement still has not been made public. Why is the SPL rushing ahead when in April the SFA felt it unwise to do so?
“Rangers was not the only club in Scotland to use EBTs yet nothing was done and little has been heard about it. Also, Rangers stands accused of achieving sporting advantage unfairly – yet there is little debate over the fact in all the years EBTs were in existence at Ibrox, the Club often failed to win either the league title, or the main cup competitions.
"Furthermore, the period concerned saw a significant downsizing of the playing squad both in money spent on transfers and players wages.
“The decision we have taken has not been taken lightly. There are powerful representatives from Clubs within the SPL – not all of them by any means – who appear hell bent on inflicting as much damage on Rangers as possible.
"It is lamentable that the Board and executive of the organisation have not been able to deal with this appropriately. We do not hold every SPL club in the same regard. Several clubs were placed in an invidious position and we believe their interests were not best served by those in more powerful positions.
“Furthermore, as a Club we are not satisfied that the issue of conflict of interest relating to advisers to the SPL has been satisfactorily dealt with.
“Once again I would thank our supporters for their patience and tolerance. They have been asked to take it on the chin time and again and we stand united in saying: No more.
"As far as I am concerned, Rangers Football Club has won a world record 54 league titles, and, whatever the decision of the SPL Commission, these titles cannot and will not be taken away from us and our Manager Ally McCoist is in total agreement.”
Administrators Statement
PAUL CLARK, of Duff and Phelps, joint administrators of RFC 2012 PLC (formerly The Rangers Football Club plc), issued the following statement today:
“I can confirm that the business and certain assets of RFC 2012 PLC – including the honours won by the Club - were acquired by Mr Charles Green’s consortium as part of the sale and purchase agreement.
“The SPL have been in contact with RFC 2012 PLC with regard to the SPL’s Commission which is examining Rangers’ historic use of EBTs. However, having taken legal advice, it is the Joint Administrators’ opinion that the SPL is not able to pursue RFC 2012 PLC in this matter.
“The SPL have stated that the Commission is empowered to review the use of EBTs under the contract between the SPL and its member club. RFC 2012 PLC no longer has a contract with the SPL and therefore the SPL has no jurisdiction over it.
“This has been communicated to the SPL and considering that further involvement in this matter is not in the interests of its creditors, RFC 2012 PLC will have no further involvement with the Commission.
“Our primary role as Administrators was to rescue the business which has been achieved by Charles Green and his consortium and whilst any sanctions the Commission may levy will not affect RFC 2012 PLC this process would not appear to us to be helpful to the ongoing revival of Rangers.”
CHARLES GREEN, Chief Executive of Rangers, issued the following statement today:
“The Rangers Football Club Limited will not attend tomorrow’s hearing (Tuesday, September 11) of the SPL-appointed Commission investigating the circumstances surrounding the use of Employee Benefit Trusts by previous owners of the Club.
"The Club cannot continue to participate in an SPL process that we believe is fundamentally misconceived.
“Neither the SPL, nor its Commission, has any legal power or authority over the Club because it is not in the SPL.
"For that reason it has no legal basis on which to appoint its Commission. The Club ceased to be subject to the SPL’s rules when it was ejected from its league.
"Our lawyers have made that point repeatedly to the SPL in correspondence and yet our requests for an explanation from the SPL have been completely ignored. The SPL’s silence on these issues is deafening. The outcome of the SPL’s process will have no legal effect.
“First and foremost, I would like to explain this decision to our supporters across the world whose loyalty and commitment to the Club in very difficult times has been unwavering and heart-warming for all those involved at the Club. Our decision regarding this commission is approved unanimously by the Board and the Manager Ally McCoist.
“Since the decision was taken by HMRC on June 14 to reject administrators’ proposals for a Company Voluntary Arrangement, the fate of Rangers FC lay firmly and clearly in the ability of the consortium I led to form a new company and corporate entity that would ensure that Rangers had a future as a football club.
“At all times we were fully transparent in our dealings with the football authorities, be they the SFA, SPL or the SFL.
"There was no ambiguity whatsoever regarding the status of the company when it made an application to join the SPL.
"As we all know, 10 SPL clubs decided against the admission of the new company to the league and The Rangers Football Club Limited subsequently applied to the SFL for membership and we are grateful for their acceptance.
“In short, what was decided by the SPL membership is that Rangers was finished as a member of the SPL.
"Despite this, the SPL now see the new owners of the company, and the new company itself, which owns all the assets of Rangers FC - including SPL championship titles – as fair game for punishment for matters that have nothing to do with us at all.
"And let’s be very clear about what this Commission is. Although the SPL goes to great lengths to emphasise the independence of its Commission, the Commission is not independent of the SPL. It has been appointed by the SPL. It follows SPL rules and its process is managed by SPL staff.
"I don’t question the impartiality of the individual panel members but whatever decision they reach is a decision of the SPL.
“To make it crystal clear, the new owners purchased all the business and assets of Rangers, including titles and trophies.
"Any attempt to undermine or diminish the value of those assets will be met with the stiffest resistance, including legal recourse.
“Furthermore, we ask the question genuinely. Why did the football authorities do nothing to address an issue that was public knowledge for at least two years, and was reported in the Club’s accounts for several years, before the Club went into administration and was subsequently taken over by new owners?
"HMRC contacted the SPL regarding EBT matters in October 2010, they met to discuss what documentation the Club had lodged with the SPL.
"Did the SPL launch an investigation? Did they appoint a Commission? Did they ask to see EBT correspondence? Did they ask any questions at all? No. They did absolutely nothing.
“What compounds the breathtaking hypocrisy of the SPL in this whole saga, is that the SFA, the SPL and us - as the new owners - took part in numerous discussions regarding the new company’s league status during which it was made clear that a deal was there to be done where ‘the EBT issue’ would be dealt with as part of a package of sanctions which would be implemented in return for membership of the SFA and a place in either the SPL or Division One.
"We do not accept that people who are willing to come to an agreement on such matters then have a right to instigate a full blown inquisition when matters do not unfold as they thought they would.
“In our view, it beggars belief that an authority which can be heavily involved in these discussions to the point that the Chief Executive Neil Doncaster repeatedly stated he was not interested in stripping titles from Rangers can lurch from that position to setting up its own Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Nimmo Smith.
"I must make it clear that we are not questioning for a moment the integrity of Lord Nimmo Smith and his colleagues but we believe the SPL have been hypocritical in their approach to this matter.
"Quite apart from their negotiations with our consortium, I know the SPL were well advanced in their discussions with another bidder and his representatives where EBT issues were raised and there was again an understanding that the EBT issue could be dealt with by agreement if new owners were to take over at Ibrox.
“Why is the SPL rushing to judgement now when it has been sitting on the matter for two years? Their haste is particularly difficult to understand when the tax tribunal judgement is imminent.
"The factual issues in both cases are identical. We have to ask why is the SPL so anxious to issue a judgement in this matter before the tax tribunal’s findings are made public.
"The position is even harder to understand when one of the reasons the SFA did not pursue any form of disciplinary charge on EBT matters following Lord Nimmo Smith’s April report was because it was felt unwise for the SFA to pursue the matter when the tax tribunal judgement had not been made public.
"Nothing has changed as the judgement still has not been made public. Why is the SPL rushing ahead when in April the SFA felt it unwise to do so?
“Rangers was not the only club in Scotland to use EBTs yet nothing was done and little has been heard about it. Also, Rangers stands accused of achieving sporting advantage unfairly – yet there is little debate over the fact in all the years EBTs were in existence at Ibrox, the Club often failed to win either the league title, or the main cup competitions.
"Furthermore, the period concerned saw a significant downsizing of the playing squad both in money spent on transfers and players wages.
“The decision we have taken has not been taken lightly. There are powerful representatives from Clubs within the SPL – not all of them by any means – who appear hell bent on inflicting as much damage on Rangers as possible.
"It is lamentable that the Board and executive of the organisation have not been able to deal with this appropriately. We do not hold every SPL club in the same regard. Several clubs were placed in an invidious position and we believe their interests were not best served by those in more powerful positions.
“Furthermore, as a Club we are not satisfied that the issue of conflict of interest relating to advisers to the SPL has been satisfactorily dealt with.
“Once again I would thank our supporters for their patience and tolerance. They have been asked to take it on the chin time and again and we stand united in saying: No more.
"As far as I am concerned, Rangers Football Club has won a world record 54 league titles, and, whatever the decision of the SPL Commission, these titles cannot and will not be taken away from us and our Manager Ally McCoist is in total agreement.”
Administrators Statement
PAUL CLARK, of Duff and Phelps, joint administrators of RFC 2012 PLC (formerly The Rangers Football Club plc), issued the following statement today:
“I can confirm that the business and certain assets of RFC 2012 PLC – including the honours won by the Club - were acquired by Mr Charles Green’s consortium as part of the sale and purchase agreement.
“The SPL have been in contact with RFC 2012 PLC with regard to the SPL’s Commission which is examining Rangers’ historic use of EBTs. However, having taken legal advice, it is the Joint Administrators’ opinion that the SPL is not able to pursue RFC 2012 PLC in this matter.
“The SPL have stated that the Commission is empowered to review the use of EBTs under the contract between the SPL and its member club. RFC 2012 PLC no longer has a contract with the SPL and therefore the SPL has no jurisdiction over it.
“This has been communicated to the SPL and considering that further involvement in this matter is not in the interests of its creditors, RFC 2012 PLC will have no further involvement with the Commission.
“Our primary role as Administrators was to rescue the business which has been achieved by Charles Green and his consortium and whilst any sanctions the Commission may levy will not affect RFC 2012 PLC this process would not appear to us to be helpful to the ongoing revival of Rangers.”
abp1873
Inactive User
Rangers are being blackmailed by the vile SPL and it's member clubs and I hope they pursue these people legally and fight for every title deservedly won. e,g if 1 player was on an E.B.T and Rangers won a cup or a title are the other clubs saying that 1 player won it because it is my understanding it only ever was 1 or 2 at a time furthermore even then it's not illegal even if HMRC say its wrong its Governments that pass laws. They blackmailed Gers into SFL by saying no licence is granted if embargo not accepted so will they say lose titles or no SPL next ? and according to European law if wrong contracts are awarded it is only directors or chairman that are liable. I personally am absolutely fed up with the witch-hunt its a vendetta plain and simple.
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@ John
Clear your inbox Mate
Clear your inbox Mate
J
Inactive User
Like him or loathe him, Charles Green is tremendous copy... regarding freezing prices for Rangers league cup tie against Motherwell he said:
''I would like to make it a fantastic evening for Motherwell fans, or indeed fans from other SPL clubs..to remember what they are missing.“I know there will be huge interest in this game as we are playing the current SPL leaders
Full article
RANGERS have confirmed prices for the club’s League Cup tie with Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday 26 September will be frozen once again in recognition of the phenomenal support the fans have shown this season.
Tickets are available to season ticket holders now at the same price as the previous ties against East Fife and Falkirk at the Stadium – £13 for adults, £8 for concessions and £3 for children.
Public sale for these tickets starts on Friday at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for kids. Family tickets are also available for this match (2 adults and 2 kids seated in the Family Section) priced £35.
Rangers fans have shown their unwavering support for the club in 2012/13 and season ticket numbers have hit almost 36,000 so far. Chief Executive Charles Green has once again thanked the fans for their loyalty and support.
He said: “The huge crowds we have attracted at Ibrox this season in the SFL and cup competitions have been the envy of football clubs UK wide and this game will be no exception as our fans yet again demonstrate their unwavering support for Rangers.
“There was speculation we would sell match programmes at £14 and charge fans just 50p for entry to the Motherwell game but we won’t do that as it is not the Rangers way.
"I would like to make it a fantastic evening so that Motherwell fans, or indeed fans from other SPL clubs that have the privilege of visiting Ibrox this season, remember what they are missing.
“Clubs have been benefiting from Rangers in league games and cup competitions for 140 years and this year will be no different.
"Our fans have turned out at Ibrox in huge numbers in all our games this season and few clubs in the world could count on that support.
“I know there will be huge interest in this game as we are playing the current SPL leaders and our fans will be out in force once again at Ibrox to support Ally and the team.”
''I would like to make it a fantastic evening for Motherwell fans, or indeed fans from other SPL clubs..to remember what they are missing.“I know there will be huge interest in this game as we are playing the current SPL leaders
Full article
RANGERS have confirmed prices for the club’s League Cup tie with Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday 26 September will be frozen once again in recognition of the phenomenal support the fans have shown this season.
Tickets are available to season ticket holders now at the same price as the previous ties against East Fife and Falkirk at the Stadium – £13 for adults, £8 for concessions and £3 for children.
Public sale for these tickets starts on Friday at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for kids. Family tickets are also available for this match (2 adults and 2 kids seated in the Family Section) priced £35.
Rangers fans have shown their unwavering support for the club in 2012/13 and season ticket numbers have hit almost 36,000 so far. Chief Executive Charles Green has once again thanked the fans for their loyalty and support.
He said: “The huge crowds we have attracted at Ibrox this season in the SFL and cup competitions have been the envy of football clubs UK wide and this game will be no exception as our fans yet again demonstrate their unwavering support for Rangers.
“There was speculation we would sell match programmes at £14 and charge fans just 50p for entry to the Motherwell game but we won’t do that as it is not the Rangers way.
"I would like to make it a fantastic evening so that Motherwell fans, or indeed fans from other SPL clubs that have the privilege of visiting Ibrox this season, remember what they are missing.
“Clubs have been benefiting from Rangers in league games and cup competitions for 140 years and this year will be no different.
"Our fans have turned out at Ibrox in huge numbers in all our games this season and few clubs in the world could count on that support.
“I know there will be huge interest in this game as we are playing the current SPL leaders and our fans will be out in force once again at Ibrox to support Ally and the team.”
surfbum
Inactive User
Fantastic Charles Green interview on Clyde.
Last edited by a moderator:
surfbum
Inactive User
Interesting Conflicts – SPL EBT Hypocrisy « Chris Graham
Interesting Conflicts – SPL EBT Hypocrisy
September 12, 2012
The news that Celtic have been cleared of any culpability for the EBT they used for Juninho in the 2004/2005 season comes as no surprise to those of us who have followed this case and the people prosecuting it. However, I do feel it is worth highlighting as it is yet another example of the hypocrisy and corruption at the SPL.
It is worth noting some things regarding the operation of EBT schemes. The issue of whether tax was paid on the EBTs has nothing to do with the SPL investigation into Rangers. The issue is purely whether the loans from the EBT scheme for players were declared to the SPL and SFA and whether they required to be declared.
It is clear that Rangers did not specifically declare them because they do not consider them to be payments. The whole point of the scheme is that they are loans. That leaves us only with the question of whether they required to be declared i.e were they payments.
Now, those who demand Rangers be punished like to muddy the waters by talking about HMRC, unpaid tax, sporting advantage and higher moral considerations. The only consideration for the SPL, however, is were they payments and were they declared.
The SPL have decided that Rangers have a case to answer. Today they have decided that Celtic do not. This is curious in relation to the above since, on the 23rd May, the BBC claim to have written to all SPL clubs asking about use of EBTs. The following is exactly what they were told.
“BBC Scotland Investigates wrote to all of the Scottish Premier League’s member clubs and asked whether they had ever operated an EBT scheme.
Celtic confirmed that it established one EBT scheme in April 2005, which BBC Scotland understands was for the benefit of the Brazilian midfielder Juninho Paulista. The scheme was worth £765,000 but the club did not declare the trust payment to the Scottish Football Association or the Scottish Premier League.
The payments made to the trust were declared in Celtic’s annual report for 2004/2005, but in 2008 the club became aware of an event giving rise to a potential tax liability which was subsequently paid after agreement with HMRC.
The remaining 10 SPL clubs replied and confirmed they had never set up an EBT scheme for any of their employees.”
BBC News - Q&A: EBT schemes explained
Now it is quite clear from this that Celtic did operate an EBT and they did not declare it to the SPL or SFA as part of Juninho’s registration. This makes the case absolutely identical to the Rangers case. So why is there no case to answer?
That is a difficult question. Celtic like to claim it is because they paid the tax that HMRC felt was due for the use of the EBT. This appears to be true but does not in any way impact on the registration issue. Either the EBT was declared on the registration or it was not. The issue of tax paid is one for HMRC.
When considering this, we need to know who actually investigated on behalf of the SPL. At the moment we don’t. It is well documented that Rod McKenzie of Harper MacLeod has conducted the investigation into Rangers. Harper Macleod are the SPL lawyers on this matter so it seems likely to be the case that they would have examined the Celtic case too. They can’t have though, because that would be as clear a case of conflict of interest as you could ever get. Harper Macleod are also Celtic lawyers and it would be unethical and utterly absurd for them to have been involved here.
So who at the SPL decided there was no case to answer? Was another law firm employed to investigate Celtic? If so, then why was this firm not also used to investigate Rangers given the issues with Rod McKenzie and Celtic’s lawyers doing so? If the BBC information is correct then how did these nameless investigators come to the conclusion that the evidence did not need to be examined by an ‘independent’ tribunal? It is clearly an identical situation.
Let me be absolutely clear. I think the SPL made the correct decision regarding Celtic. The idea that a sporting advantage was gained from EBTs is absurd. EBTs could never have been declared to the SPL because doing so would have rendered the whole point of them, a tax benefit, unavailable.
In a competition where there is no salary cap on players, the rules on registration exist purely to protect players and ensure that in areas of dispute the players can show exactly what they are contractually due. To my knowledge, no Rangers or Celtic players are complaining that they did not receive payments they were due.
The SPL investigation is a sham. It is an excuse to further attack Rangers. There is no sporting advantage, no ‘financial doping’, no match fixing. The fact that a player is being paid is important because that is why registration is needed – how much they are being paid is totally irrelevant. These claims are absurd and have been made specifically to inflame public opinion ahead of a pre-determined verdict.
If the SPL got it absolutely correct on Celtic then the question should be why are they pursuing Rangers? The answer to that lies with the people conducting the witch hunt and it is about time the media in this country started doing their job and asked the required questions.
Interesting Conflicts – SPL EBT Hypocrisy
September 12, 2012
The news that Celtic have been cleared of any culpability for the EBT they used for Juninho in the 2004/2005 season comes as no surprise to those of us who have followed this case and the people prosecuting it. However, I do feel it is worth highlighting as it is yet another example of the hypocrisy and corruption at the SPL.
It is worth noting some things regarding the operation of EBT schemes. The issue of whether tax was paid on the EBTs has nothing to do with the SPL investigation into Rangers. The issue is purely whether the loans from the EBT scheme for players were declared to the SPL and SFA and whether they required to be declared.
It is clear that Rangers did not specifically declare them because they do not consider them to be payments. The whole point of the scheme is that they are loans. That leaves us only with the question of whether they required to be declared i.e were they payments.
Now, those who demand Rangers be punished like to muddy the waters by talking about HMRC, unpaid tax, sporting advantage and higher moral considerations. The only consideration for the SPL, however, is were they payments and were they declared.
The SPL have decided that Rangers have a case to answer. Today they have decided that Celtic do not. This is curious in relation to the above since, on the 23rd May, the BBC claim to have written to all SPL clubs asking about use of EBTs. The following is exactly what they were told.
“BBC Scotland Investigates wrote to all of the Scottish Premier League’s member clubs and asked whether they had ever operated an EBT scheme.
Celtic confirmed that it established one EBT scheme in April 2005, which BBC Scotland understands was for the benefit of the Brazilian midfielder Juninho Paulista. The scheme was worth £765,000 but the club did not declare the trust payment to the Scottish Football Association or the Scottish Premier League.
The payments made to the trust were declared in Celtic’s annual report for 2004/2005, but in 2008 the club became aware of an event giving rise to a potential tax liability which was subsequently paid after agreement with HMRC.
The remaining 10 SPL clubs replied and confirmed they had never set up an EBT scheme for any of their employees.”
BBC News - Q&A: EBT schemes explained
Now it is quite clear from this that Celtic did operate an EBT and they did not declare it to the SPL or SFA as part of Juninho’s registration. This makes the case absolutely identical to the Rangers case. So why is there no case to answer?
That is a difficult question. Celtic like to claim it is because they paid the tax that HMRC felt was due for the use of the EBT. This appears to be true but does not in any way impact on the registration issue. Either the EBT was declared on the registration or it was not. The issue of tax paid is one for HMRC.
When considering this, we need to know who actually investigated on behalf of the SPL. At the moment we don’t. It is well documented that Rod McKenzie of Harper MacLeod has conducted the investigation into Rangers. Harper Macleod are the SPL lawyers on this matter so it seems likely to be the case that they would have examined the Celtic case too. They can’t have though, because that would be as clear a case of conflict of interest as you could ever get. Harper Macleod are also Celtic lawyers and it would be unethical and utterly absurd for them to have been involved here.
So who at the SPL decided there was no case to answer? Was another law firm employed to investigate Celtic? If so, then why was this firm not also used to investigate Rangers given the issues with Rod McKenzie and Celtic’s lawyers doing so? If the BBC information is correct then how did these nameless investigators come to the conclusion that the evidence did not need to be examined by an ‘independent’ tribunal? It is clearly an identical situation.
Let me be absolutely clear. I think the SPL made the correct decision regarding Celtic. The idea that a sporting advantage was gained from EBTs is absurd. EBTs could never have been declared to the SPL because doing so would have rendered the whole point of them, a tax benefit, unavailable.
In a competition where there is no salary cap on players, the rules on registration exist purely to protect players and ensure that in areas of dispute the players can show exactly what they are contractually due. To my knowledge, no Rangers or Celtic players are complaining that they did not receive payments they were due.
The SPL investigation is a sham. It is an excuse to further attack Rangers. There is no sporting advantage, no ‘financial doping’, no match fixing. The fact that a player is being paid is important because that is why registration is needed – how much they are being paid is totally irrelevant. These claims are absurd and have been made specifically to inflame public opinion ahead of a pre-determined verdict.
If the SPL got it absolutely correct on Celtic then the question should be why are they pursuing Rangers? The answer to that lies with the people conducting the witch hunt and it is about time the media in this country started doing their job and asked the required questions.
Annan Athletic 0 Rangers 0
RANGERS’ away jinx struck yet again as they failed to breach Annan’s goal and dropped points on the road for the third consecutive game.
The Light Blues had enough possession and chances to win a couple of matches and should really have returned north with a victory under their belts.
But staunch resistance from their plucky opponents denied them such a result and once again a place at the top of the Third Division table has evaded Gers.
While many including many of Athletic’s own players and staff will feel this was a positive result for them, it was one they richly deserved.
They were solid in defence and reaped the rewards for their terrific organisation, with a huge cheers going up from locals as the final whistle blew.
While there wasn’t much hospitality shown towards the visitors on the park, the same certainly couldn’t be said off it.
If the rest of the Third Division could have been described as happy to have Rangers in tow this season, it would be fair to suggest Annan were positively ecstatic to host them.
The proverbial welcome mat wasn’t just rolled out for the 54-time Scottish champions, it was given the equivalent of a really good shampoo first as well.
Regardless of whether Gers or Stranraer were to be Athletic’s opponents this afternoon, this was always going to be the first SFL match at the redeveloped Galabank ground.
As such, the Dumfries and Galloway side’s officials have spent much of their week applying finishing touches to their small but intimate stadium.
And with the car park tarmacked, their new 3G pitch looking terrific and a safety certificate for their enhanced terracing secured, thoughts turned to making the Light Blues feel at home.
The pre-match playlist certainly warmed the cockles as Ibrox favourites such as Wolverhampton Town and Penny Arcade blared out.
That said, the PA announcer’s selection did little to endear him to Harry Cairney’s players and it was no great surprise their frustrations ensured they made a determined start.
They were visibly riled and they’ll feel a point was proven once the 90 minutes had passed without their goal being breached.
Athletic made things awkward for away keeper Neil Alexander in the opening stages as he had to be alert to punch clear on more than one occasion.
Annan - like many of their bottom tier rivals – weren’t afraid to put a tackle in either and one strong challenge saw David Templeton carried off on a stretcher less than 10 minutes in.
His ankle injury meant Fran Sandaza was pitched in to play alongside Lee McCulloch and Dean Shiels in attack, with Barrie McKay providing support behind them.
Away fans had flocked to Galabank in great numbers, with some even staying in tents at the campsite next door overnight in order to get a good spot next to the pitch.
They won’t have been too encouraged by the slow start Ally McCoist’s men made and they almost fell behind when Lee Wallace had to react sharply to block Michael Daly.
From the resulting corner, the home striker headed over while McCulloch did the same at the other end as Gers finally mustered a response.
The visitors came forward again and it took some heroic defending from Jonny Blake to keep them out.
In an act of sheers guts and grit, he made a succession of tackles to deny McKay, Sandaza then McCulloch before the Spaniard saw his effort saved by keeper Alex Mitchell.
Rangers were gradually settling and some determined running by Sandaza set up McCulloch, who wasn’t far away from a low right-footed volley.
McCoist’s men came forward again and once more Sandaza was inventive, showing good footwork to set up Shiels.
Annan’s defence was resolute though and got in the way, just as it did when McCulloch had a go again moments later ahead of a rasper from Sebastien Faure which lifted over.
While the Light Blues appeared to be getting closer, the hosts had the best chance prior to half-time when Jack Steele got away from Wallace to drill across goal and just past.
They had a cracking opportunity after the restart too when advantage was played after Ross Perry might have fouled Graeme Ramage and Steele found himself in on Alexander.
With a rush of blood to the head, however, Gers were off the hook as the striker pulled his shot wide of the target and he should have done so much better.
The Light Blues needed a spark and the busy Sandaza looked as likely to give them it but Annan’s defending was getting more and more stubborn as time went on.
On the rare occasions they were carved open, the away side’s finishing was poor and Shiels should have done so much better than lift straight into Mitchell’s hands.
Nevertheless, Rangers kept getting forward when they could and Faure drilled across the face of goal and wide from a corner then Sandaza forced a good save from Mitchell.
Time was beginning to run out and although Rangers were enjoying the bulk of possession, they weren’t nearly as ruthless as they are capable of.
McCulloch hammered into the ground and wide and Sandaza curled a free kick past the post as the Ibrox outfit laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages.
McCulloch was then blocked again and Wallace screwed away from goal and it seemed the deadlock might just be broken after all.
But when the captain was denied for a third time in quick succession by a fantastic Mitchell save, it summed up the kind of day Rangers had had.
A third consecutive league draw wasn’t what McCoist had wanted at all and an improvement on the road is undoubtedly required.
ANNAN: Mitchell; Blake, Watson, Swinglehurst, McGowan; Steele (McKechnie 88), Chaplain, Jardine, Ramage (Sloan 78), Murray; Daly (McGachie 69).
SUBS: Summersgill, Thorburn.
BOOKED: Daly.
RANGERS: Alexander; Faure, Emilson, Perry, Wallace; McKay, Black, Macleod, Templeton (Sandaza 10); Shiels (Crawford 78), McCulloch.
SUBS: Gallacher, Hegarty, Kyle.
BOOKED: Faure, Wallace.
REFEREE: Craig Charleston.
ATTENDANCE: 2,517.
surfbum
Inactive User
Just How Far Can We Push "Remarkable"?
On Tuesday the 13th November, 2012, the SPL hearing into Rangers use of EBT's will commence.
The first “remarkable” is that such a hearing is being carried out in respect of a football club over which the SPL, as a result of their own actions, have absolutely no authority whatsoever. A quick review of their statutes and articles of regulation confirms that.
A second “remarkable” occurs when one considers that such a formal hearing is taking place at all.
For this is the same SPL who had structured a package of sanctions in respect of Rangers, and which had been agreed by our owner, would deal with Rangers EBT's in an informal manner. The fact that such a package of sanctions never came to fruition had nothing to do with Rangers, but everything to do with a group of SFL chairmen who refused to be bullied or intimidated by the SPL and their “master plan” for Scottish football.
“Remarkable” that something which the SPL feels only justifies an informal hearing can somehow take on such a formal and punitive nature when their Machiavellian schemes don’t go as planned.
A further “remarkable” occurs however, when we consider that Rangers, the club being subjected to this hearing, are the club which fully disclosed their dealings via EBT's in their annual submissions, whilst Celtic (a club who forgot to) warrant no such hearing or investigation from the SPL.
But if we haven't already, we now really push the bounds of “remarkable”.
For the investigation into Rangers and EBT's is carried out by a company who enjoy a favourable business relationship with the aforementioned Celtic FC - Harper and MacLeod solicitors. Such is the favourable relationship, that Celtic Chief executive Peter Lawell was recently featured on their website praising their company for their stalwart service to Celtic FC. I say “recently” because Lawell's testimony has, surprise surprise, very recently been removed from their website.
Remarkable?
“Remarkable” however, now becomes untenable. It seems the SPL have become somewhat “confused” with the role of Harper & MacLeod.
On one hand they suggest that the company is carrying out the investigation...
BBC Sport - Rangers fans question EBT probe appointment by SPL
whilst on the other they claim that there involvement is purely “low level”
Ramgers boss Ally McCoist fears SPL vendetta after Juninho Celtic verdict | Mail Online
Remarkable ?
But for a tired and overburdened “remarkable” I'm afraid to say its plight does not end there.
For who do the SPL appoint to chair this investigation ?
Lord Nimmo. A law expert whose judgement was ruled to be flawed when Rangers appealed his judgement over his ruling on the legality of an SFA transfer embargo.
At this point you may ask what are media are saying about this “remarkable” set of events. ….the words food and drink spring to mind.
Alas, the answer is nothing.
And that in itself is “remarkable”
On Tuesday the 13th November, 2012, the SPL hearing into Rangers use of EBT's will commence.
The first “remarkable” is that such a hearing is being carried out in respect of a football club over which the SPL, as a result of their own actions, have absolutely no authority whatsoever. A quick review of their statutes and articles of regulation confirms that.
A second “remarkable” occurs when one considers that such a formal hearing is taking place at all.
For this is the same SPL who had structured a package of sanctions in respect of Rangers, and which had been agreed by our owner, would deal with Rangers EBT's in an informal manner. The fact that such a package of sanctions never came to fruition had nothing to do with Rangers, but everything to do with a group of SFL chairmen who refused to be bullied or intimidated by the SPL and their “master plan” for Scottish football.
“Remarkable” that something which the SPL feels only justifies an informal hearing can somehow take on such a formal and punitive nature when their Machiavellian schemes don’t go as planned.
A further “remarkable” occurs however, when we consider that Rangers, the club being subjected to this hearing, are the club which fully disclosed their dealings via EBT's in their annual submissions, whilst Celtic (a club who forgot to) warrant no such hearing or investigation from the SPL.
But if we haven't already, we now really push the bounds of “remarkable”.
For the investigation into Rangers and EBT's is carried out by a company who enjoy a favourable business relationship with the aforementioned Celtic FC - Harper and MacLeod solicitors. Such is the favourable relationship, that Celtic Chief executive Peter Lawell was recently featured on their website praising their company for their stalwart service to Celtic FC. I say “recently” because Lawell's testimony has, surprise surprise, very recently been removed from their website.
Remarkable?
“Remarkable” however, now becomes untenable. It seems the SPL have become somewhat “confused” with the role of Harper & MacLeod.
On one hand they suggest that the company is carrying out the investigation...
BBC Sport - Rangers fans question EBT probe appointment by SPL
whilst on the other they claim that there involvement is purely “low level”
Ramgers boss Ally McCoist fears SPL vendetta after Juninho Celtic verdict | Mail Online
Remarkable ?
But for a tired and overburdened “remarkable” I'm afraid to say its plight does not end there.
For who do the SPL appoint to chair this investigation ?
Lord Nimmo. A law expert whose judgement was ruled to be flawed when Rangers appealed his judgement over his ruling on the legality of an SFA transfer embargo.
At this point you may ask what are media are saying about this “remarkable” set of events. ….the words food and drink spring to mind.
Alas, the answer is nothing.
And that in itself is “remarkable”
J
Inactive User
HEARTS could be heading for a showdown with the SPL over unpaid wages.
SunSport can reveal up to five senior members of John McGlynn’s squad have been informed their wages may not be paid on time today.
If the Jambos fail to stump up the SPL could hammer them with sanctions as part of the new financial fair play rules introduced in May.
But Hearts supremo Vladimir Romanov will fight any penalty as the club claim the temporary cash-flow problem has been caused by a late payment FROM the SPL.
Jambos insiders told SunSport that the club is still waiting on half of a £600,000 windfall the league was due to pay to the club at the start of the season.
And they claim the delay in receiving that money has caused the unforeseen cash crisis — which has in turn cast doubt over the monthly wage payments due to certain stars.
Hearts remain hopeful that all players affected will get their money on time, but they will wait until close of play today before making their next move.
If a wage delay proves unavoidable, the club have vowed to inform the SPL of the issue immediately, in line with the new financial rules.
But the Scottish Cup holders would then vigorously defend themselves against any sanctions imposed.
And Jambos sources say they would be surprised if the SPL attempt to hit them with any punishment while the club is still owed the outstanding £300,000.
Hearts players were dogged by constant delays in their wages being paid last season.
That saw the Tynecastle club being charged by league chiefs in January for ‘failing to behave with the utmost faith towards the SPL’.
The league opted not to follow up that charge as Hearts successfully fought it.
But it remains to be seen how the SPL would handle any delay this time around.
News of Hearts’ latest wage drama came just hours after Romanov declared a personal wealth of £42million as he prepares to run for President of Lithuania.
The Tynecastle chief launched his own political party — Lithuanian People’s Party — in his homeland last year.
The controversial businessman has put himself down as No 1 candidate on the list for the Lithuanian Parliament and he intends running for the presidency if he gets elected.
As part of the process, each candidate has to declare their personal wealth in assets to Lithuania’s Central Election Commission.
And Romanov’s personal wealth of £42m dwarves any other politician on the list, including current President Dalia Grybauskaite.
The 65-year-old Romanov’s wealth includes securities, art, jewellery and property.
Hearts announced debts of £24m in March — their lowest level for six years.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz26gGJejOZ
SunSport can reveal up to five senior members of John McGlynn’s squad have been informed their wages may not be paid on time today.
If the Jambos fail to stump up the SPL could hammer them with sanctions as part of the new financial fair play rules introduced in May.
But Hearts supremo Vladimir Romanov will fight any penalty as the club claim the temporary cash-flow problem has been caused by a late payment FROM the SPL.
Jambos insiders told SunSport that the club is still waiting on half of a £600,000 windfall the league was due to pay to the club at the start of the season.
And they claim the delay in receiving that money has caused the unforeseen cash crisis — which has in turn cast doubt over the monthly wage payments due to certain stars.
Hearts remain hopeful that all players affected will get their money on time, but they will wait until close of play today before making their next move.
If a wage delay proves unavoidable, the club have vowed to inform the SPL of the issue immediately, in line with the new financial rules.
But the Scottish Cup holders would then vigorously defend themselves against any sanctions imposed.
And Jambos sources say they would be surprised if the SPL attempt to hit them with any punishment while the club is still owed the outstanding £300,000.
Hearts players were dogged by constant delays in their wages being paid last season.
That saw the Tynecastle club being charged by league chiefs in January for ‘failing to behave with the utmost faith towards the SPL’.
The league opted not to follow up that charge as Hearts successfully fought it.
But it remains to be seen how the SPL would handle any delay this time around.
News of Hearts’ latest wage drama came just hours after Romanov declared a personal wealth of £42million as he prepares to run for President of Lithuania.
The Tynecastle chief launched his own political party — Lithuanian People’s Party — in his homeland last year.
The controversial businessman has put himself down as No 1 candidate on the list for the Lithuanian Parliament and he intends running for the presidency if he gets elected.
As part of the process, each candidate has to declare their personal wealth in assets to Lithuania’s Central Election Commission.
And Romanov’s personal wealth of £42m dwarves any other politician on the list, including current President Dalia Grybauskaite.
The 65-year-old Romanov’s wealth includes securities, art, jewellery and property.
Hearts announced debts of £24m in March — their lowest level for six years.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz26gGJejOZ
surfbum
Inactive User
not long now till i win my money, is the book still open so i can go put more money on them lol
so hearts cant pay wages, where has all there season ticket money gone. where has the money gone that we just gave them for temps, looks like there living out with there means lol
so hearts cant pay wages, where has all there season ticket money gone. where has the money gone that we just gave them for temps, looks like there living out with there means lol
surfbum
Inactive User
James Traynor
Powerbrokers have known of Rangers' EBTs for years - why move now?
THE shenanigans which caused the collapse of Rangers are scandalous but, when you blow away myth and fantasy, a stretch of the imagination is required to declare Rangers cheated anyone.
THIS might stick in the craw of those Holy Willies who believe EBT payments to have been the work of the devil, or worse Rangers, but it might be time to drop this costly SPL charade.
Financial mismanagement at Ibrox has already cost the game more than enough in legal fees but only the heartless and mean-spirited would continue to argue Rangers and their fans haven’t suffered.
Whether or not they’ve suffered enough is a debate which will still rage, mostly in the cyber domains of the deranged, but it’s nonsense to suggest they haven’t been damaged.
They’ve lost status and credibility. They’ve been docked points, fined, ridiculed and hounded. They’ve been accused of cheating and phrases like “match fixing” and “financial doping” are now routinely tossed into the mix, even in reasoned discussions.
A huge, dark cloud, bloated with swirling accusations, stupidity, and hatred, sits over the case of Rangers and their use of Employee Benefit Trusts. The story has been distorted, in some cases by misunderstanding, but in others by deliberate design.
Some argue they grabbed a handful of titles through financial deception and now these must be erased from the record books. The reasoning is Rangers won with players they couldn’t have afforded if they’d been paying tax on the full amounts. They cheated the tax man, the country and their fellow clubs. But did they really?
The shenanigans which caused the collapse of Rangers are scandalous but, when you blow away myth and fantasy, an immense stretch of the imagination is required to declare Rangers cheated anyone. EBTs were not illegal in the 10 years Rangers used them and both the SFA and SPL were fully aware of them.
They were never hidden and always declared in the audited accounts under the term Remuneration Trust.
Rangers shut them down when the law changed in 2010 and also at that time it was said the club had been operating a dual-contract system in relation to the EBT. The SFA contacted Rangers and asked for an explanation, which was given.
The SFA then granted Rangers’ licence to continue playing, just as they had done every year of the EBT era. The SPL didn’t have any objections either at that time.
Neither one of these bodies thought to question Rangers at any time in 10 years so what has changed? Why are the SPL, a body short of cash, spending money on another legal pursuit which may prove to be trivial?
Even those supporters of other clubs, who believed EBTs were illegal for no other reason than they wanted it to be so just because it was big, bad Rangers, must accept they were above board. Unless, of course, they now choose not to believe the SPL, the very body they’ve been insisting must bring Rangers to task. In explaining why Celtic have no case to answer, even though they had an EBT for Juninho, the SPL have underlined that this form of payment was acceptable.
But the crucial difference, according to the SPL, is Juninho didn’t take any EBT payment until he’d left the club. The league say Rangers have to be investigated because their EBT use was widespread and their players took payments during Ibrox stints.
There’s no denying Rangers had a huge number on EBT over a 10-year period but the SPL, if the documents before Lord Nimmo-Smith and his commission are thorough, will find quite a few of these players did exactly the same as Juninho.
The SPL, it can be assumed safely enough, are questioning whether or not letters to players detailing their EBT are secondary agreements but Rangers’ lawyers insist these can’t be described as contracts because EBTs are discretionary loans, or bonus payments, and not contractual.
In fact, these payments are so bizarre that players get their loans which are to be repaid with interest at the end of an agreed period but actually, the money is rarely, if ever, given back.
Juninho’s payment was apparently a “golden handshake” but for what? Not for working in a Celtic Park tea bar that’s for sure. He got his payment for his contributions as a player and, rather than make him different from anyone at Ibrox, that makes him exactly the same.
So, basically, what we are dealing with is a technicality. Rangers didn’t attempt to hide the EBT but if in registering the players without making reference to the loan letters they breached any of the SPL’s rules, why weren’t the errors picked up from year one?
The SFA and SPL saw the annual accounts, saw the EBT and allowed Rangers to carry on
regardless. Now, however, the SPL, or their lawyers, Harper Macleod, have found something wrong but are we saying Rangers should have titles taken away because of a technicality or the SPL’s own incompetence?
If so, that’s patently absurd. And it is petty in the extreme.
Rangers, who had about 11 different chartered accountants on their board in the EBT years, would have known if the authorities had any problem with their papers and there would also have been an “informal” exchange of certain pieces of financial information between Rangers and Celtic.
These two would have scrutinised one another’s annual accounts so if anything had been amiss with Rangers’ practice why wouldn’t Celtic have brought it to light?
If there is a problem why was it overlooked for so long and who will take responsibility at the SFA and SPL?
The same people, incidentally, did nothing when alerted to the fact Craig Whyte wasn’t handing over PAYE millions. Indeed, one SFA individual actually had dinner with Whyte late last year. Yet, he was allowed to carry on for months until Rangers slipped into administration. I’m sorry but neither the SFA nor SPL can examine their own standards and behaviours and believe they did enough.
I am not suggesting for one second the game’s authorities are responsible for Rangers’ collapse. Neither was it an EBT habit, nor that outrageous level of debt run up by David Murray 12 years ago, which closed Rangers.
That’s down to one man, Whyte, who got a winning club when the debt had been reduced to £18m. He should and could have been stopped before the damage became too severe and before HMRC had lost a fortune, although they themselves could have minimised the cost by acting earlier.
They were well aware of Whyte through his previous dealings and might have taken the view he had bought Rangers hoping it would be put into liquidation if the big tax case ruling went against the club. Rangers would have been lumbered with a bill of around £50m and Whyte could have blamed HMRC for closure.
It didn’t play out that way and the verdict isn’t expected now until October but why did the revenue allow Whyte to continue for so long when he wasn’t handing over taxes?
They were communicating with administrators Duff and Phelps over this issue and were offering payment plans which Whyte didn’t use.
Why? If they’d taken action at the right time, instead of waiting until June, when they refused Charles Green’s CVA offer and Rangers were plunged into liquidation, the cost to many of the creditors would have been much less. They are the real victims, not supporters who think they’ve been done out of a few titles.
Powerbrokers have known of Rangers' EBTs for years - why move now?
THE shenanigans which caused the collapse of Rangers are scandalous but, when you blow away myth and fantasy, a stretch of the imagination is required to declare Rangers cheated anyone.
THIS might stick in the craw of those Holy Willies who believe EBT payments to have been the work of the devil, or worse Rangers, but it might be time to drop this costly SPL charade.
Financial mismanagement at Ibrox has already cost the game more than enough in legal fees but only the heartless and mean-spirited would continue to argue Rangers and their fans haven’t suffered.
Whether or not they’ve suffered enough is a debate which will still rage, mostly in the cyber domains of the deranged, but it’s nonsense to suggest they haven’t been damaged.
They’ve lost status and credibility. They’ve been docked points, fined, ridiculed and hounded. They’ve been accused of cheating and phrases like “match fixing” and “financial doping” are now routinely tossed into the mix, even in reasoned discussions.
A huge, dark cloud, bloated with swirling accusations, stupidity, and hatred, sits over the case of Rangers and their use of Employee Benefit Trusts. The story has been distorted, in some cases by misunderstanding, but in others by deliberate design.
Some argue they grabbed a handful of titles through financial deception and now these must be erased from the record books. The reasoning is Rangers won with players they couldn’t have afforded if they’d been paying tax on the full amounts. They cheated the tax man, the country and their fellow clubs. But did they really?
The shenanigans which caused the collapse of Rangers are scandalous but, when you blow away myth and fantasy, an immense stretch of the imagination is required to declare Rangers cheated anyone. EBTs were not illegal in the 10 years Rangers used them and both the SFA and SPL were fully aware of them.
They were never hidden and always declared in the audited accounts under the term Remuneration Trust.
Rangers shut them down when the law changed in 2010 and also at that time it was said the club had been operating a dual-contract system in relation to the EBT. The SFA contacted Rangers and asked for an explanation, which was given.
The SFA then granted Rangers’ licence to continue playing, just as they had done every year of the EBT era. The SPL didn’t have any objections either at that time.
Neither one of these bodies thought to question Rangers at any time in 10 years so what has changed? Why are the SPL, a body short of cash, spending money on another legal pursuit which may prove to be trivial?
Even those supporters of other clubs, who believed EBTs were illegal for no other reason than they wanted it to be so just because it was big, bad Rangers, must accept they were above board. Unless, of course, they now choose not to believe the SPL, the very body they’ve been insisting must bring Rangers to task. In explaining why Celtic have no case to answer, even though they had an EBT for Juninho, the SPL have underlined that this form of payment was acceptable.
But the crucial difference, according to the SPL, is Juninho didn’t take any EBT payment until he’d left the club. The league say Rangers have to be investigated because their EBT use was widespread and their players took payments during Ibrox stints.
There’s no denying Rangers had a huge number on EBT over a 10-year period but the SPL, if the documents before Lord Nimmo-Smith and his commission are thorough, will find quite a few of these players did exactly the same as Juninho.
The SPL, it can be assumed safely enough, are questioning whether or not letters to players detailing their EBT are secondary agreements but Rangers’ lawyers insist these can’t be described as contracts because EBTs are discretionary loans, or bonus payments, and not contractual.
In fact, these payments are so bizarre that players get their loans which are to be repaid with interest at the end of an agreed period but actually, the money is rarely, if ever, given back.
Juninho’s payment was apparently a “golden handshake” but for what? Not for working in a Celtic Park tea bar that’s for sure. He got his payment for his contributions as a player and, rather than make him different from anyone at Ibrox, that makes him exactly the same.
So, basically, what we are dealing with is a technicality. Rangers didn’t attempt to hide the EBT but if in registering the players without making reference to the loan letters they breached any of the SPL’s rules, why weren’t the errors picked up from year one?
The SFA and SPL saw the annual accounts, saw the EBT and allowed Rangers to carry on
regardless. Now, however, the SPL, or their lawyers, Harper Macleod, have found something wrong but are we saying Rangers should have titles taken away because of a technicality or the SPL’s own incompetence?
If so, that’s patently absurd. And it is petty in the extreme.
Rangers, who had about 11 different chartered accountants on their board in the EBT years, would have known if the authorities had any problem with their papers and there would also have been an “informal” exchange of certain pieces of financial information between Rangers and Celtic.
These two would have scrutinised one another’s annual accounts so if anything had been amiss with Rangers’ practice why wouldn’t Celtic have brought it to light?
If there is a problem why was it overlooked for so long and who will take responsibility at the SFA and SPL?
The same people, incidentally, did nothing when alerted to the fact Craig Whyte wasn’t handing over PAYE millions. Indeed, one SFA individual actually had dinner with Whyte late last year. Yet, he was allowed to carry on for months until Rangers slipped into administration. I’m sorry but neither the SFA nor SPL can examine their own standards and behaviours and believe they did enough.
I am not suggesting for one second the game’s authorities are responsible for Rangers’ collapse. Neither was it an EBT habit, nor that outrageous level of debt run up by David Murray 12 years ago, which closed Rangers.
That’s down to one man, Whyte, who got a winning club when the debt had been reduced to £18m. He should and could have been stopped before the damage became too severe and before HMRC had lost a fortune, although they themselves could have minimised the cost by acting earlier.
They were well aware of Whyte through his previous dealings and might have taken the view he had bought Rangers hoping it would be put into liquidation if the big tax case ruling went against the club. Rangers would have been lumbered with a bill of around £50m and Whyte could have blamed HMRC for closure.
It didn’t play out that way and the verdict isn’t expected now until October but why did the revenue allow Whyte to continue for so long when he wasn’t handing over taxes?
They were communicating with administrators Duff and Phelps over this issue and were offering payment plans which Whyte didn’t use.
Why? If they’d taken action at the right time, instead of waiting until June, when they refused Charles Green’s CVA offer and Rangers were plunged into liquidation, the cost to many of the creditors would have been much less. They are the real victims, not supporters who think they’ve been done out of a few titles.
surfbum
Inactive User
Suspended Payments League « Bill McMurdo's Weblog
ian Black will be thinking himself a fortunate man this morning, if newspaper reports are accurate concerning his old club.
If the midfielder had not signed for Rangers during the summer, he may well be digging out his painter’s overalls today as news of yet another salary fail comes out of Tynecastle. Apparently up to five senior players have been told to expect their wages NOT to be in the bank this morning and this could spark another conflagration with the SPL over non-payment of players.
However, the murky tale actually gets murkier because Hearts claim they can’t players due to being owed money by the SPL. The SPL can’t pay Hearts monies due because they are short of cash.
It’s a sorry state of affairs but I am quite sure that there will be zero sympathy for Hearts and the Suspended Payments League from Rangers Football Club and its fans.
In fact the SPL’s insistence on persecuting Rangers over EBTs looks even more like a kangaroo court with a sinister agenda when you look at the big picture.
In a nutshell, the SPL clubs are struggling and the SPL itself is practically insolvent so where can they get money from?
Surely not by fining Rangers a whopping fine to line their own greedy purses with?
The simple, brutal reality that everyone in Scottish football knows – but the Scottish media is too cowardly or bigoted to say – is that Scottish football runs on Rangers’ money i.e the money that Rangers generate in the game.
This makes the petty jealousies and vile bigotry of their agenda towards Rangers so disgusting – they hate the club so much that they will frenziedly bite the hand that feeds them.
Of course, they have met their match in Charles Green. He has seen through the SPL and its clutch of dodgy dealers and they know he has. He has correctly identified their bitterly prejudiced program to milk Rangers at the same time as beating the club down and he is having none of it. He also has powerful allies backing him.
But the head-on clash between Rangers and the vampire bloodsuckers of the SPL will probably never happen.
For one simple reason.
The SPL is dying.
Somebody needs to put it out of its misery.
And, quite frankly, it is all very satisfying for thousands of Rangers fans who have seen the SPL savagely kick their club at its lowest point in history. What is remarkable is that people are having a go at Rangers supporters for taking pleasure in the SPL’s misfortune – are these supporters supposed to ignore the massive ill-will shown to Rangers by the SPL and its members?
We are going from the ridiculous to the comedic now in Scottish football.
Hearts can’t pay their players because the SPL owes them money.
What next? The SPL fine Hearts for non-payment of players’ wages?
And Hearts will reply, “We’ll pay you the fine when you pay us what you’re owe us.”
You couldn’t make this grubby little story of greedy little people up.
You don’t have to.
It’s for real.
Of course, the collapse of the SPL could herald a new age of truthfulness and honesty in the media here in Scotland.
Freed from the trappings of pretence and the illusion that they have an interest in Scottish football, sports broadcasters could rename their shows much more in line with their real purpose:
Super Rangers-Hating Saturday followed by Rangers-Hating Phone-In
“If you used to follow an SPL club and you hate Rangers with a passion, call in and vent your bile!”
I’ll bet readers of this blog could name a few pundits who would love to host these shows!
ian Black will be thinking himself a fortunate man this morning, if newspaper reports are accurate concerning his old club.
If the midfielder had not signed for Rangers during the summer, he may well be digging out his painter’s overalls today as news of yet another salary fail comes out of Tynecastle. Apparently up to five senior players have been told to expect their wages NOT to be in the bank this morning and this could spark another conflagration with the SPL over non-payment of players.
However, the murky tale actually gets murkier because Hearts claim they can’t players due to being owed money by the SPL. The SPL can’t pay Hearts monies due because they are short of cash.
It’s a sorry state of affairs but I am quite sure that there will be zero sympathy for Hearts and the Suspended Payments League from Rangers Football Club and its fans.
In fact the SPL’s insistence on persecuting Rangers over EBTs looks even more like a kangaroo court with a sinister agenda when you look at the big picture.
In a nutshell, the SPL clubs are struggling and the SPL itself is practically insolvent so where can they get money from?
Surely not by fining Rangers a whopping fine to line their own greedy purses with?
The simple, brutal reality that everyone in Scottish football knows – but the Scottish media is too cowardly or bigoted to say – is that Scottish football runs on Rangers’ money i.e the money that Rangers generate in the game.
This makes the petty jealousies and vile bigotry of their agenda towards Rangers so disgusting – they hate the club so much that they will frenziedly bite the hand that feeds them.
Of course, they have met their match in Charles Green. He has seen through the SPL and its clutch of dodgy dealers and they know he has. He has correctly identified their bitterly prejudiced program to milk Rangers at the same time as beating the club down and he is having none of it. He also has powerful allies backing him.
But the head-on clash between Rangers and the vampire bloodsuckers of the SPL will probably never happen.
For one simple reason.
The SPL is dying.
Somebody needs to put it out of its misery.
And, quite frankly, it is all very satisfying for thousands of Rangers fans who have seen the SPL savagely kick their club at its lowest point in history. What is remarkable is that people are having a go at Rangers supporters for taking pleasure in the SPL’s misfortune – are these supporters supposed to ignore the massive ill-will shown to Rangers by the SPL and its members?
We are going from the ridiculous to the comedic now in Scottish football.
Hearts can’t pay their players because the SPL owes them money.
What next? The SPL fine Hearts for non-payment of players’ wages?
And Hearts will reply, “We’ll pay you the fine when you pay us what you’re owe us.”
You couldn’t make this grubby little story of greedy little people up.
You don’t have to.
It’s for real.
Of course, the collapse of the SPL could herald a new age of truthfulness and honesty in the media here in Scotland.
Freed from the trappings of pretence and the illusion that they have an interest in Scottish football, sports broadcasters could rename their shows much more in line with their real purpose:
Super Rangers-Hating Saturday followed by Rangers-Hating Phone-In
“If you used to follow an SPL club and you hate Rangers with a passion, call in and vent your bile!”
I’ll bet readers of this blog could name a few pundits who would love to host these shows!
surfbum
Inactive User
Monday, 17 September 2012
ALEX THOMSON - A QUEER HACK AND THE SUN
IT would be interesting to discover what Sir Alex Ferguson and Brendan Rogers think of Channel Four’s increasingly discredited Alex Thomson and his dreadful description of Rangers supporters as Daleks.
Especially when the Manchester United and Liverpool managers have been so outspoken in their condemnation of the way supporters of their clubs sing such vile songs about the loss of lives in the Munich and Hillsborough Disasters.
After all, is there any difference between the appalling loss of life suffered by Manchester United on the tarmac of Munich or those who perished in the crush at Hillsborough and those souls lost on Stairway 13 at Ibrox?
Except, of course, that the 66 who had the life crushed out of them on that appalling day in January 1971 were supporters of Rangers.
And as such are fair game for any smart ass wise guy who wants to make a name for himself. Any prancing poltroon of a pathetic poseur.
And any Channel Four reporter by the name of Alex Thomson.
I cannot think of any journalist who would have written, broadcast or Tweeted such a vile, low , twisted, sick, sad,, sinister scum- like—slur, other than Channel Four’s Alex Thomson.
But then again, Alex Thomson has form in this department.
He helped to publicise an equally sick and twisted internet posted video, made by Celtic supporters, which depicted the statue of John Greig, which stands as a monument to the 66 who perished in the Ibrox Disaster, running away. Alex Thomson said he thought it was funny.
Thomson then tried to squirm off the hook in a cowardly fashion by claiming he did not know the purpose of the statue.
Aye, right.
For this was the same Alex Thomson who wrote at great length on his Official Channel Four blog and on his Official Channel Four Twitter account, that he bought a ticket for last season’s final Ibrox Old Firm game, from someone he met at the statue.
Are we to believe that, as a reporter, Alex Thomson’s natural journalistic curiosity was not sufficiently aroused that day to make him look at the John Greig statue and learn of its purpose?
If he did not, then he is a queer sort of a hack.
A conclusion many who have watched his television reports on Channel Four, read his Official Channel Four blogs and followed his Official Channel Four Twitter comments, may have come to some time ago.
No doubt, now, Alex Thomson will now try to attempt to pull off the same trick while explaining away his Dalek jibe at Rangers supporters, claiming he did not know it is common currency among certain sections of Celtic supporters – the low life kind he appears to have kept company with – and that it refers to the inability of the Dr Who villains to negotiate stairs.
Now, I must make it clear that such vile talk is not common currency across the board and generations when it comes to Celtic fans. Not one of the many friends I have who support Celtic would ever use it and this is especially true of those old enough to remember the terrible sorrow which gripped Glasgow and which crossed the Great Divide for days and weeks after those 66 innocent souls were lost.
Daleks is the insult of choice for the more hard line, extremist Irish Republican supporting section of Celtic fans, who belong to the internet generation where Alex Thomson seems to seek his following and approval.
In other words, the bigots.
In the coming days, as the countdown begins to Sunday at Anfield and the first Liverpool-Manchester United match since the Hillsborough cover-up was finally revealed, there will be more stories in English newspapers and much talk on radio and television stations – Sky especially – about the need to end the songs of hate about Hillsborough and Munich.
So far, though, there has been no such campaign in Scottish newspapers, on local radio phone-ins or on BBC Scotland Television, to call Channel Four’s Alex Thomson to account for his vile, vicious and low life Daleks slur on the memory of the 66 innocents, the Rangers supporters who died on Stairway 13 in the Ibrox Disaster.
Now would be a good time to put pressure on them to turn up the heat on Channel Four’s Alex Thomson.
It would be particularly appropriate if the Sun - after the shameful part it played it promoting Philmacgiollabhain - and its editor, Andy "Halfwit" Harries, took up this cause and indulged in some real reporting.
ALEX THOMSON - A QUEER HACK AND THE SUN
IT would be interesting to discover what Sir Alex Ferguson and Brendan Rogers think of Channel Four’s increasingly discredited Alex Thomson and his dreadful description of Rangers supporters as Daleks.
Especially when the Manchester United and Liverpool managers have been so outspoken in their condemnation of the way supporters of their clubs sing such vile songs about the loss of lives in the Munich and Hillsborough Disasters.
After all, is there any difference between the appalling loss of life suffered by Manchester United on the tarmac of Munich or those who perished in the crush at Hillsborough and those souls lost on Stairway 13 at Ibrox?
Except, of course, that the 66 who had the life crushed out of them on that appalling day in January 1971 were supporters of Rangers.
And as such are fair game for any smart ass wise guy who wants to make a name for himself. Any prancing poltroon of a pathetic poseur.
And any Channel Four reporter by the name of Alex Thomson.
I cannot think of any journalist who would have written, broadcast or Tweeted such a vile, low , twisted, sick, sad,, sinister scum- like—slur, other than Channel Four’s Alex Thomson.
But then again, Alex Thomson has form in this department.
He helped to publicise an equally sick and twisted internet posted video, made by Celtic supporters, which depicted the statue of John Greig, which stands as a monument to the 66 who perished in the Ibrox Disaster, running away. Alex Thomson said he thought it was funny.
Thomson then tried to squirm off the hook in a cowardly fashion by claiming he did not know the purpose of the statue.
Aye, right.
For this was the same Alex Thomson who wrote at great length on his Official Channel Four blog and on his Official Channel Four Twitter account, that he bought a ticket for last season’s final Ibrox Old Firm game, from someone he met at the statue.
Are we to believe that, as a reporter, Alex Thomson’s natural journalistic curiosity was not sufficiently aroused that day to make him look at the John Greig statue and learn of its purpose?
If he did not, then he is a queer sort of a hack.
A conclusion many who have watched his television reports on Channel Four, read his Official Channel Four blogs and followed his Official Channel Four Twitter comments, may have come to some time ago.
No doubt, now, Alex Thomson will now try to attempt to pull off the same trick while explaining away his Dalek jibe at Rangers supporters, claiming he did not know it is common currency among certain sections of Celtic supporters – the low life kind he appears to have kept company with – and that it refers to the inability of the Dr Who villains to negotiate stairs.
Now, I must make it clear that such vile talk is not common currency across the board and generations when it comes to Celtic fans. Not one of the many friends I have who support Celtic would ever use it and this is especially true of those old enough to remember the terrible sorrow which gripped Glasgow and which crossed the Great Divide for days and weeks after those 66 innocent souls were lost.
Daleks is the insult of choice for the more hard line, extremist Irish Republican supporting section of Celtic fans, who belong to the internet generation where Alex Thomson seems to seek his following and approval.
In other words, the bigots.
In the coming days, as the countdown begins to Sunday at Anfield and the first Liverpool-Manchester United match since the Hillsborough cover-up was finally revealed, there will be more stories in English newspapers and much talk on radio and television stations – Sky especially – about the need to end the songs of hate about Hillsborough and Munich.
So far, though, there has been no such campaign in Scottish newspapers, on local radio phone-ins or on BBC Scotland Television, to call Channel Four’s Alex Thomson to account for his vile, vicious and low life Daleks slur on the memory of the 66 innocents, the Rangers supporters who died on Stairway 13 in the Ibrox Disaster.
Now would be a good time to put pressure on them to turn up the heat on Channel Four’s Alex Thomson.
It would be particularly appropriate if the Sun - after the shameful part it played it promoting Philmacgiollabhain - and its editor, Andy "Halfwit" Harries, took up this cause and indulged in some real reporting.
surfbum
Inactive User
Evening Times
MATTHEW LINDSAY
THIS was not, to put it mildly, the most auspicious weekend for the two largest football clubs in Glasgow.
In fact, can Celtic and Rangers, in their current or previous guise, ever have suffered such abject results on the same day?
It is highly doubtful.
Celtic were lucky their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with St Johnstone was played on Saturday.
A virus floored Steve Lomas' entire squad last week and the Irishman was seriously considering asking for the fixture to be postponed.
It was perhaps only the presence of the television cameras that ensured the meeting went ahead as scheduled.
Given the turmoil in Scottish football over the last eight months, the SPL is lucky to have a broadcaster like ESPN paying to screen its games live.
Putting them out even further by calling the match off would have been highly unwise in the present financial climate.
Incredibly, though, the patched-up Saints side recorded a deserved win – their first in the league in what has, to date, been a deeply disappointing 2012/13 campaign – against all the odds.
Neil Lennon, the distraught and disgusted visiting manager, said the performance of his side after the 2-1 reverse was "needless, unnecessary and unacceptable".
His Ibrox counterpart Ally McCoist could have used those words to describe his side's display a few hours later. Rangers' issues on the road this term continued when they were held to a 0-0 draw against Annan.
It was all the Ibrox club deserved for another far from sparkling display.
There are extenuating circumstances which can reasonably be used to explain both results.
Celtic's players will have had, subconsciously or otherwise, half an eye on their eagerly-awaited return to the Champions League group stage this week.
The tie with Benfica at Parkhead on Wednesday night is of much greater importance than a routine league game.
Rangers, too, are very much a work-in-progress and should not be judged too harshly on their early outings.
McCoist's side has been hastily thrown together in a matter of weeks. It is little surprise really that, without a pre-season behind them, results have left much to be desired on their travels.
Playing in the Irn-Bru Third Division has prevented them from luring the calibre of star they have come to expect, despite the cash offered..
With the mass exodus of players in the summer, including Carlos Bocanegra, Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Steven Naismith and others, has understandably meant the standard has dipped.
Does Celtic's defeat to Saints and Rangers' draw with Annan suggest there has been a further decline in the power of not one but both of Scotland's traditional behemoths?
Would Martin O'Neill's team including Henrik Larsson, Stiliyan Petrov, Chris Sutton, have lost to a group who had just crawled out of their sick beds? Not a chance!
Those who foolishly rejoiced at the demise of Rangers failed to grasp the toll it would, in time, take on their own clubs on and off the park.
It is to be hoped that Lennon's side produce in the Champions League. If they fail, then going on to toil domestically in the SPL would really not come as a surprise
MATTHEW LINDSAY
THIS was not, to put it mildly, the most auspicious weekend for the two largest football clubs in Glasgow.
In fact, can Celtic and Rangers, in their current or previous guise, ever have suffered such abject results on the same day?
It is highly doubtful.
Celtic were lucky their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with St Johnstone was played on Saturday.
A virus floored Steve Lomas' entire squad last week and the Irishman was seriously considering asking for the fixture to be postponed.
It was perhaps only the presence of the television cameras that ensured the meeting went ahead as scheduled.
Given the turmoil in Scottish football over the last eight months, the SPL is lucky to have a broadcaster like ESPN paying to screen its games live.
Putting them out even further by calling the match off would have been highly unwise in the present financial climate.
Incredibly, though, the patched-up Saints side recorded a deserved win – their first in the league in what has, to date, been a deeply disappointing 2012/13 campaign – against all the odds.
Neil Lennon, the distraught and disgusted visiting manager, said the performance of his side after the 2-1 reverse was "needless, unnecessary and unacceptable".
His Ibrox counterpart Ally McCoist could have used those words to describe his side's display a few hours later. Rangers' issues on the road this term continued when they were held to a 0-0 draw against Annan.
It was all the Ibrox club deserved for another far from sparkling display.
There are extenuating circumstances which can reasonably be used to explain both results.
Celtic's players will have had, subconsciously or otherwise, half an eye on their eagerly-awaited return to the Champions League group stage this week.
The tie with Benfica at Parkhead on Wednesday night is of much greater importance than a routine league game.
Rangers, too, are very much a work-in-progress and should not be judged too harshly on their early outings.
McCoist's side has been hastily thrown together in a matter of weeks. It is little surprise really that, without a pre-season behind them, results have left much to be desired on their travels.
Playing in the Irn-Bru Third Division has prevented them from luring the calibre of star they have come to expect, despite the cash offered..
With the mass exodus of players in the summer, including Carlos Bocanegra, Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Steven Naismith and others, has understandably meant the standard has dipped.
Does Celtic's defeat to Saints and Rangers' draw with Annan suggest there has been a further decline in the power of not one but both of Scotland's traditional behemoths?
Would Martin O'Neill's team including Henrik Larsson, Stiliyan Petrov, Chris Sutton, have lost to a group who had just crawled out of their sick beds? Not a chance!
Those who foolishly rejoiced at the demise of Rangers failed to grasp the toll it would, in time, take on their own clubs on and off the park.
It is to be hoped that Lennon's side produce in the Champions League. If they fail, then going on to toil domestically in the SPL would really not come as a surprise
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH have progressed to the semi-final stage of the Ramsdens Cup after a remarkable penalty shoot-out victory over Rangers at Ibrox.
On what proved to be a night of high drama in Glasgow's South Side it was Ryan McGuffie who scored the decisive spot kick to take his side through after 120 minutes of football had produced a 2-2 draw.
The Light Blues went behind after 48 minutes when Nicky Clark’s header beat Neil Alexander.
And after Barrie McKay had equalised on 53 minutes the Light Blues suffered another blow when substitute Kevin Kyle, who had replaced Francisco Sandaza, was sent off for elbowing a Queens player when challenging for a throw in.
But despite being a man down Lee McCulloch won a penalty with 20 minutes remaining and the skipper slotted his spot kick low beyond former Gers keeper Lee Robinson.
With time running out and Willie Gibson also seeing red in the 90th minute the game looked over but the Doonhamers’ in-form striker Gavin Reilly levelled the score at 2-2 with the last kick of the ball and this dramatic clash went into extra-time and then penalties.
McCulloch stepped up first and smashed in his second spot kick of the night before Queens sub Derek Lyle w$acked his side's first effort off the cross bar.
Robinson then saved from Shiels before Nicky Clark sent Alexander the wrong way to make it 1-1.
Kal Naismith then scored with an excellent penalty before Derek Young rifled the ball down the middle to make it 2-2.
Next up was Ian Black and he also found the net as did Queens number 9 Reilly.
Argyriou then hit the post and it was McGuffie that fired the ball into the net to take the visitors through.
It was a dramatic end to a night which ended in disappointment for the Ibrox faithful and few could argue that Queens deserved their victory.
The first 45 minutes of the game were, in truth, disappointing and neither side could break the deadlock albeit Gers could have taken an early lead.
Queens left back Kevin Holt was short with a back pass to Robinson and Barrie McKay’s first time effort from a tight angle was easily gathered by the visiting keeper.
Allan Johnston’s men then showed the fighting spirit which has taken them to the top of the Second Division and on a couple of occasions they tested Alexander.
On 15 minutes Daniel Carmichael’s dangerous cross from the right wing was headed out of the 18 yard box straight to Chis Mitchell and his volley from 25 yards was tipped over the bar.
Just five minutes later and Carmichael cut inside from the right and his long range effort again had to be palmed over by Alexander who was sporting purple top, shorts and socks.
This was just about as good as it got in the opening period with both teams lacking creativity and urgency.
Into the second half and it was the visitors that took a shock lead just three minutes after the restart.
Gibson did well on the left to get beyond Argyriou and his excellent cross was met by Clark who powered an accurate header beyond Alexander.
The packed away end went wild and just three minutes later Clark, the son of Queens assistant boss and former Ger Sandy, latched on to a long ball and his near post shot produced a another great save from the Rangers keeper.
On 53 minutes a deflected effort from McCulloch skimmed the side netting and Rangers levelled after Francisco Sandaza had been replaced by Kyle.
Ian Black took the corner and when Derek Young sclaffed his clearance it fell to McKay who bundled the ball over Robinson and into the net from six yards.
With Kyle on the Light Blues suddenly had a player capable of causing mayhem with his power and height.
But just when Rangers were getting the upper hand the substitute received a second yellow card for a second elbow challenge.
The big striker looked baffled by the decision made by ref Stevie O’Reilly as did his manager McCoist who was in deep discussion with the fourth official as the player walked up the tunnel.
Rangers, however, were then gifted the chance to take the lead on 70 minutes when Macleod fed a clever pass into the Queens 18 yard box and McCulloch was brought down by a clumsy challenge from centre half Chris Higgins.
The skipper quickly grabbed the ball and his low strike sent Robinson the wrong way from the spot.
With Kal Naismith and Sebastien Faure now on a place in the next round looked guaranteed, especially when Queens winger Gibson received a red card for a second bookable offense with 90 minutes on the clock.
But with many of the 20,932 fans preparing to leave the ground or already travelling home the visitors pushed forward in injury time and, remarkably, got their reward in the very last seconds when Reilly toe poked the ball home.
In the first half of extra time Kal Naismith had a glancing header cleared off the line and Dean Shiels hit the side netting with a shot after Robinson had parried a Wallace drive from 15 yards.
With both teams tiring the second period failed to produce any clear cut chances until the last minute when sub Daniel Orsi missed a snip with Alexander making a crucial save.
That took the game penalty kicks and it was Queens that held their nerves to book their place in the next round.
surfbum
Inactive User
Last edited by a moderator:
surfbum
Inactive User
RANGERS Chief Executive Charles Green said: “We made very clear in the statement that we made that we have never questioned the integrity of the panel. That is beyond reproach.
“What I do have an issue with is the fact that the SPL has relentlessly been pursuing a fixed and predetermined agenda on EBTs from the moment they realised that they would not be able to get Rangers back into the SPL without a fan revolt.
"Until that moment the SPL were looking to trade SPL status for an admission of guilt on EBTs and a sanction of stripped titles. We couldn’t and didn’t give them that.
"You need look no further than the initial draft of the five-way agreement.
"There is reference in that to EBTs and the outcome was stripping titles but if I make a statement that the SPL is pursuing a predetermined outcome then I’m bringing the game into disrepute.
"From the moment that SPL status for Rangers was off the agenda we‘ve been heading for stripped titles.
“What I’m doing is using free speech to tell the fans exactly what has happened and I am now on disrepute charges for matters of fact.
"The words that seem to have upset the SFA so much are that “the SPL appoint the jury, set the outcome and set the punishment before the trial” - those things are true and I stand by them.
“Whether or not the Commission works to that agenda remains to be seen but let’s be clear there was a predetermined outcome.
"If their Chief Executive and lawyers were drafting agreements that contained definitions of titles that would be stripped in late June/early July long before a Commission was even thought about, how can anyone say they are not pursuing an agenda and a predetermined outcome?
“I would ask the SFA and the SPL to release the first draft of the five-way agreement put together by their lawyers to reveal all of the sanctions. Stripping of titles was definitely within that document.
“In terms of this commission, if the SPL agenda prevails then Rangers will be found guilty and being found guilty we will lose five titles.
“If I’m wrong then it will be a different outcome.
“What I said before is that this commission is not independent because the SPL have set it up. Saying that they are not independent is not saying that they are not impartial.
“That’s what I have an issue with and I will make these points when I go to see the SFA – not unless I’m in jail before then because there will no doubt be 50 odd charges by then.
“We want to focus on what’s happening at the club in terms of filling the stadium, going to Annan and filling the town – they are the good things.
“But all people want to do is keep chasing Rangers and to chase us to the grave – and we are not going there.”
“What I do have an issue with is the fact that the SPL has relentlessly been pursuing a fixed and predetermined agenda on EBTs from the moment they realised that they would not be able to get Rangers back into the SPL without a fan revolt.
"Until that moment the SPL were looking to trade SPL status for an admission of guilt on EBTs and a sanction of stripped titles. We couldn’t and didn’t give them that.
"You need look no further than the initial draft of the five-way agreement.
"There is reference in that to EBTs and the outcome was stripping titles but if I make a statement that the SPL is pursuing a predetermined outcome then I’m bringing the game into disrepute.
"From the moment that SPL status for Rangers was off the agenda we‘ve been heading for stripped titles.
“What I’m doing is using free speech to tell the fans exactly what has happened and I am now on disrepute charges for matters of fact.
"The words that seem to have upset the SFA so much are that “the SPL appoint the jury, set the outcome and set the punishment before the trial” - those things are true and I stand by them.
“Whether or not the Commission works to that agenda remains to be seen but let’s be clear there was a predetermined outcome.
"If their Chief Executive and lawyers were drafting agreements that contained definitions of titles that would be stripped in late June/early July long before a Commission was even thought about, how can anyone say they are not pursuing an agenda and a predetermined outcome?
“I would ask the SFA and the SPL to release the first draft of the five-way agreement put together by their lawyers to reveal all of the sanctions. Stripping of titles was definitely within that document.
“In terms of this commission, if the SPL agenda prevails then Rangers will be found guilty and being found guilty we will lose five titles.
“If I’m wrong then it will be a different outcome.
“What I said before is that this commission is not independent because the SPL have set it up. Saying that they are not independent is not saying that they are not impartial.
“That’s what I have an issue with and I will make these points when I go to see the SFA – not unless I’m in jail before then because there will no doubt be 50 odd charges by then.
“We want to focus on what’s happening at the club in terms of filling the stadium, going to Annan and filling the town – they are the good things.
“But all people want to do is keep chasing Rangers and to chase us to the grave – and we are not going there.”
surfbum
Inactive User
Revealed: Football chiefs' secret plan to strip Rangers of nine trophies over EBT tax dodge - Daily Record
Revealed: Football chiefs' secret plan to strip Rangers of nine trophies over EBT tax dodge
EXCLUSIVE: FOOTBALL bosses drafted a bombshell document that included plans to strip Rangers of five SPL titles and four Scottish Cups.
FOOTBALL chiefs produced a secret plan to strip Rangers of five SPL titles and four Scottish Cups.
The bombshell document, seen by the Daily Record, was drafted after talks involving the SFA, SPL, Scottish Football League and representatives of Charles Green’s Sevco.
It outlines a range of punishments for Rangers for the Employment Benefit Trust tax dodge used by Sir David Murray’s regime to pay players.
If enforced, the penalties listed would be the harshest ever seen in football. They include:
? STRIPPING the club of their league titles from 2002/3, 2004/5, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11;
? WIPING OUT Rangers’ Scottish Cup triumphs of 2001/2, 2002/3, 2007/8 and 2008/9;
? FORCING Rangers to accept the one-year transfer embargo imposed by the SFA and overturned by the Court of Session;
? ORDERING Green’s newco to pay Rangers’ old football debts to clubs in Scotland and Europe.
The draft plan was clearly designed by the football authorities to parachute Rangers into Division One of the SFL and protect Scottish football’s TV and marketing revenues.
SFL chairmen voted overwhelmingly last Friday to place Rangers in Division Three, but the Record understands that does NOT mean the punishments in the secret plan will never be imposed.
The SPL will decide on August 10 whether Rangers broke their rules by using EBTs and “dual contracts”, and the document sheds light on the football authorities’ thinking over possible penalties for the club.
It remains a draft, and no agreement has been reached between Sevco and the authorities.
But it appears Green’s firm were willing to accept some if not all of the draft – at least when the prospect of Division One football was on the table.
And the scale of the penalties listed – before Rangers have even been convicted over EBTs – will horrify fans of the club.
Many Rangers supporters will also believe the document undermines the SFA’s judicial process.
The killer section of the document states: “EBT Sanctions means (i) the withdrawal of Rangers FC, RFC and Sevco of the award and status of Champion Club (as defined in the SPL rules) of the Scottish Premier League for each and all of seasons 2002/3, 2004/5, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11:
“(ii)The withdrawal from Rangers FC, RFC and Sevco of the award and status of winner of the Scottish Cup for each and all of seasons 2001/2, 2002/3, 2007/8, and 2008/9.”
The document also contains an ultra-strict confidentiality agreement. It states: “Neither RFC nor Sevco may make any disclosure to a third party, press release or public announcement whatsoever about, concerning or relating to this agreement ... except with the express prior written consent of each of the SFA, the SPL and the SFL.”
The loss of five league titles would cut Rangers’ total from 54 to 49 and strip them of their status as the most prolific league winners in world football. Northern Irish club Linfield, with 50 titles, would take over.
Celtic finished second in all five of the SPL seasons listed. If the titles were stripped from Rangers and awarded to their Old Firm rivals, Celtic’s total number of championships would rise to 48.
The runners-up in the four Scottish Cups listed were Celtic, Dundee, Queen of the South and Falkirk. The document is silent on the issue of whether the clubs would be named as winners in place of Rangers.
The idea of stripping a club of nine trophies is unprecedented in modern football.
Italian giants Juventus were relegated and stripped of two titles for match-fixing in 2006. They continue to dispute the decision.
Another match-fixing scandal, in France, saw Marseille forfeit their 1993 league title. But they were allowed to keep the Champions League title they won in the same year.
The draft document also insists that Rangers must drop their legal challenge against the SFA transfer embargo, imposed largely as a punishment for the failure to pay tax under Craig Whyte.
The club went to the Court of Session and got the ban overturned. Judge Lord Glennie ruled that the association acted beyond their powers, and ordered them to reconsider.
The club enraged the SFA by going to law. The move also angered FIFA, who insist that clubs should not take their associations to court.
Experts warned that the world governing body could impose bans on Scottish clubs or even the national team unless Rangers backtracked.
The document says that as well as accepting the embargo, Rangers must pay the SFA’s £31,000 costs and the £160,000 fine imposed at the same time as the transfer ban.
The draft deal goes on to state that the Rangers newco will take responsibility for all the football debts run up by the “oldco” – a long list of unpaid bills owed to clubs in Scotland and on the continent.
The oldco went bust owing Hearts £800,000, Dunfermline £83,000, Dundee United £66,000, Celtic and Inverness Caley Thistle £40,000 each, and Aberdeen an undisclosed amount.
Another £1.8million is owed to clubs in England and Europe, including £1million to Austrian side Rapid Vienna for striker Nikica Jelavic.
Green has set off to meet officials from UEFA in a bid to settle the issue of the football debts.
He accepts that the problem must be resolved before newco Rangers can be accepted as members of the SFA. But he wants to strike a deal to make it easier for Sevco – and the club – to shoulder the burden.
He said: “There are certain old club debts to European clubs. It is about £3million, accumulated as part of the historical baggage.
“These are oldco debts newco has got to face up to.
“We want to be honourable. We are people who face up to responsibility. We don’t want them to be waived. We don’t expect them to be waived.
“But we want some help in meeting these because we do want to get Rangers back to the top of the pile.
“And when we do get back into Europe – whether it’s five or 10 years or 20 years – we want to walk back with our heads held high.
“I would like the clubs and UEFA to recognise these are not my debts, and for them to work with us where we can come to some amicably agreeable settlement and move forward together as friends.”
The SFA will consider Rangers’ application for membership next week.
As part of that process, the club’s new chairman, Malcolm Murray, met officials from the governing body yesterday to give more information on the identities of Sevco’s investors.
The SFA confirmed they had received information and requested more. They added that Rangers’ administrators, Duff & Phelps, had been carrying out “fit and proper person” checks on the proposed new directors of the club, alongside the SFA’s own investigations.
The SFA said they were “in dialogue” with Rangers over the transfer embargo row.
They added: “Now that the club’s status has been confirmed by the SPL and SFL, we will consider the award of transfer once Rangers FC satisfy the necessary criteria.”
If newco Rangers are accepted as SFA members, they will start their new season away to Brechin City in the Ramsdens Cup at Glebe Park on July 28.
Revealed: Football chiefs' secret plan to strip Rangers of nine trophies over EBT tax dodge - Daily Record
Revealed: Football chiefs' secret plan to strip Rangers of nine trophies over EBT tax dodge
EXCLUSIVE: FOOTBALL bosses drafted a bombshell document that included plans to strip Rangers of five SPL titles and four Scottish Cups.
FOOTBALL chiefs produced a secret plan to strip Rangers of five SPL titles and four Scottish Cups.
The bombshell document, seen by the Daily Record, was drafted after talks involving the SFA, SPL, Scottish Football League and representatives of Charles Green’s Sevco.
It outlines a range of punishments for Rangers for the Employment Benefit Trust tax dodge used by Sir David Murray’s regime to pay players.
If enforced, the penalties listed would be the harshest ever seen in football. They include:
? STRIPPING the club of their league titles from 2002/3, 2004/5, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11;
? WIPING OUT Rangers’ Scottish Cup triumphs of 2001/2, 2002/3, 2007/8 and 2008/9;
? FORCING Rangers to accept the one-year transfer embargo imposed by the SFA and overturned by the Court of Session;
? ORDERING Green’s newco to pay Rangers’ old football debts to clubs in Scotland and Europe.
The draft plan was clearly designed by the football authorities to parachute Rangers into Division One of the SFL and protect Scottish football’s TV and marketing revenues.
SFL chairmen voted overwhelmingly last Friday to place Rangers in Division Three, but the Record understands that does NOT mean the punishments in the secret plan will never be imposed.
The SPL will decide on August 10 whether Rangers broke their rules by using EBTs and “dual contracts”, and the document sheds light on the football authorities’ thinking over possible penalties for the club.
It remains a draft, and no agreement has been reached between Sevco and the authorities.
But it appears Green’s firm were willing to accept some if not all of the draft – at least when the prospect of Division One football was on the table.
And the scale of the penalties listed – before Rangers have even been convicted over EBTs – will horrify fans of the club.
Many Rangers supporters will also believe the document undermines the SFA’s judicial process.
The killer section of the document states: “EBT Sanctions means (i) the withdrawal of Rangers FC, RFC and Sevco of the award and status of Champion Club (as defined in the SPL rules) of the Scottish Premier League for each and all of seasons 2002/3, 2004/5, 2008/9, 2009/10 and 2010/11:
“(ii)The withdrawal from Rangers FC, RFC and Sevco of the award and status of winner of the Scottish Cup for each and all of seasons 2001/2, 2002/3, 2007/8, and 2008/9.”
The document also contains an ultra-strict confidentiality agreement. It states: “Neither RFC nor Sevco may make any disclosure to a third party, press release or public announcement whatsoever about, concerning or relating to this agreement ... except with the express prior written consent of each of the SFA, the SPL and the SFL.”
The loss of five league titles would cut Rangers’ total from 54 to 49 and strip them of their status as the most prolific league winners in world football. Northern Irish club Linfield, with 50 titles, would take over.
Celtic finished second in all five of the SPL seasons listed. If the titles were stripped from Rangers and awarded to their Old Firm rivals, Celtic’s total number of championships would rise to 48.
The runners-up in the four Scottish Cups listed were Celtic, Dundee, Queen of the South and Falkirk. The document is silent on the issue of whether the clubs would be named as winners in place of Rangers.
The idea of stripping a club of nine trophies is unprecedented in modern football.
Italian giants Juventus were relegated and stripped of two titles for match-fixing in 2006. They continue to dispute the decision.
Another match-fixing scandal, in France, saw Marseille forfeit their 1993 league title. But they were allowed to keep the Champions League title they won in the same year.
The draft document also insists that Rangers must drop their legal challenge against the SFA transfer embargo, imposed largely as a punishment for the failure to pay tax under Craig Whyte.
The club went to the Court of Session and got the ban overturned. Judge Lord Glennie ruled that the association acted beyond their powers, and ordered them to reconsider.
The club enraged the SFA by going to law. The move also angered FIFA, who insist that clubs should not take their associations to court.
Experts warned that the world governing body could impose bans on Scottish clubs or even the national team unless Rangers backtracked.
The document says that as well as accepting the embargo, Rangers must pay the SFA’s £31,000 costs and the £160,000 fine imposed at the same time as the transfer ban.
The draft deal goes on to state that the Rangers newco will take responsibility for all the football debts run up by the “oldco” – a long list of unpaid bills owed to clubs in Scotland and on the continent.
The oldco went bust owing Hearts £800,000, Dunfermline £83,000, Dundee United £66,000, Celtic and Inverness Caley Thistle £40,000 each, and Aberdeen an undisclosed amount.
Another £1.8million is owed to clubs in England and Europe, including £1million to Austrian side Rapid Vienna for striker Nikica Jelavic.
Green has set off to meet officials from UEFA in a bid to settle the issue of the football debts.
He accepts that the problem must be resolved before newco Rangers can be accepted as members of the SFA. But he wants to strike a deal to make it easier for Sevco – and the club – to shoulder the burden.
He said: “There are certain old club debts to European clubs. It is about £3million, accumulated as part of the historical baggage.
“These are oldco debts newco has got to face up to.
“We want to be honourable. We are people who face up to responsibility. We don’t want them to be waived. We don’t expect them to be waived.
“But we want some help in meeting these because we do want to get Rangers back to the top of the pile.
“And when we do get back into Europe – whether it’s five or 10 years or 20 years – we want to walk back with our heads held high.
“I would like the clubs and UEFA to recognise these are not my debts, and for them to work with us where we can come to some amicably agreeable settlement and move forward together as friends.”
The SFA will consider Rangers’ application for membership next week.
As part of that process, the club’s new chairman, Malcolm Murray, met officials from the governing body yesterday to give more information on the identities of Sevco’s investors.
The SFA confirmed they had received information and requested more. They added that Rangers’ administrators, Duff & Phelps, had been carrying out “fit and proper person” checks on the proposed new directors of the club, alongside the SFA’s own investigations.
The SFA said they were “in dialogue” with Rangers over the transfer embargo row.
They added: “Now that the club’s status has been confirmed by the SPL and SFL, we will consider the award of transfer once Rangers FC satisfy the necessary criteria.”
If newco Rangers are accepted as SFA members, they will start their new season away to Brechin City in the Ramsdens Cup at Glebe Park on July 28.
Revealed: Football chiefs' secret plan to strip Rangers of nine trophies over EBT tax dodge - Daily Record
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