Rumour Mill: Hibs takeover | Fergus McCann

Petrie has put money before club says Hibs suitor

David Low has accused Hibs chairman Rod Petrie of placing his own financial well-being before the good of the club after a £3.5m bid for the Easter Road club was rejected. Low is leading a consortium of investors which includes Ralph Lynch, son of former Celtic Nation owner Frank Lynch. (Herald)

Dougal backs referees in dispute

Former referee Stuart Dougal has backed match officials in their demand for a pay hike to bring fees for high profile Championship games in line with Premiership matches. With Rangers, Hibs and Hearts now in the second tier, whistlers have claimed that it is unfair for them only to be paid £195 for these matches when they are paid £840 for Premiership games. (Mail)

Lee Wallace not for sale says Ally McCoist

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he will not sell defender Lee Wallace following interest from a number of clubs including Championship side Brighton. McCoist is determined to keep the 27 year-old having knocked back a bid from Nottingham Forest in January. (Express)

Celtic must get out of Scotland - Fergus McCann

Former Celtic majority shareholder said Celtic must get out of Scottish football to fully realise their potential, Fergus McCann will unfurl the league flag at Celtic Park this weekend in what is a nod to his achievements in rescuing the club in 1994.

McCann was booed when he unfurled the flag after Celtic stopped Rangers from winning 10 in a row after Wim Jansen departed the club. (Record)

Neil Lennon denies talking Dan Petrescu out of Celtic job

Neil Lennon’s advisor has denied his client talked former Romanian international Dan Petrescu out of taking the Celtic job. Petrescu told Romanian TV that he had taken the manager’s role at Qatari club Al Arabi after turning down the Celtic job. The former Chelsea defender said he turned the opportunity down after taking advice from departed Celtic manager Neil Lennon. (Record)

Verdict for Legia appeal due today

Celtic are expected to learn today whether Legia Warsaw’s appeal against their expulsion from the Champions League will be upheld.

The Polish champions put their case to Uefa’s Appeals Body in Switzerland yesterday morning as they attempt to overturn last week’s ruling of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body which punished them for fielding a suspended player in the second leg of their third qualifying-round tie against Celtic at Murrayfield. (Scotsman)

- Henning Berg says the beautiful game will be dead if Legia’s appeal against their dismissal from the Champions League is not overturned

St Johnstone anger over Celtic penalty

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright laid the blame for his team’s 3-0 defeat by Celtic firmly at the door of referee John Beaton last night.

As the Scottish champions made a winning start to the defence of their title, Wright claimed Beaton blundered crucially with two penalty calls.

With Celtic leading 1-0 through an Anthony Stokes goal, St Johnstone had a spot-kick appeal turned down when their captain Dave Mackay went down under Virgil van Dijk’s challenge in the 68th minute.

Seven minutes later, Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty when substitute Derk Boerrigter appeared to tumble late following minimal contact from Mackay who was shown a straight red card. (Scotsman)

Celtic denied permission for safe standing area

Celtic have been denied the opportunity to construct a safe-standing area for spectators at Celtic Park.

The reigning SPFL Premiership champions have been working on the proposal for over two years as they hoped to bring an alternative and, what they believe to be, safer matchday experience for the supporters.

However, a meeting on Wednesday of the Safety Advisory Group decided against granting permission to install the necessary requirements. (Scotsman)

Livingston backer ready to walk

Livingston shareholder Neil Rankine is ready to give up his share in the club after being accused of breaching SFA rules. The Almondvale club have been hit with a signing ban due to allegations of undeclared bonus payments. They were served witha notice of complaint over claims Rankine has an interest in Dumarton and East Fife. (Record)

IN BRIEF

- Hearts manager Robbie Neilson is seeking to bolster his squad with a 9th summer signing with right back Callum Paterson out for two months

Rumour Mill: Hibs takeover | Fergus McCann | Lee Wallace