Rod Petrie insists SPL must maintain integrity despite financial cost

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie has given a strong hint he would vote against a ‘newco’ Rangers entering the Scottish Premier League by declaring “integrity is beyond purchase”.

The Charles Green-fronted consortium which has signed a deal to take control of Rangers hope to take the club out of administration through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). However, the group say they will form a new company to purchase the club’s assets if a CVA is rejected by creditors.

SPL clubs have twice postponed a vote on possible sanctions for ‘newco’ clubs and are due to meet again on 30 May, when the 12 clubs will assume control of any decision on whether a newco Rangers can acquire the share of the current club, with an 8-4 majority decision needed.

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has signalled he would accept a newco Rangers for financial reasons. But Petrie last night claimed that money should not come into the equation.

He told BBC Radio Scotland: “That’s fundamental to us at our club, to make sure the integrity of the game is not called into question and that the sporting integrity of the competition we take part in is maintained at the highest standards. It’s not a question of any sum of money in return for that integrity – integrity is beyond purchase.

“It’s important that all clubs can have a place within football, provided they have earned it in a sporting sense and also have abided by the rules.”

Rangers fans have threatened action against clubs who act against their club’s interests, while supporters of other clubs have threatened to walk away from the SPL if it contains a ‘newco’ Rangers that could not agree a deal with creditors.

“It’s vital part of what we do, listening to supporters,” Petrie said. “It’s important we understand what they are thinking and it’s also important we are able to explain the dynamics of the landscape in front of us.

“If we are called upon to make any decisions we will try to do the right thing and uphold the integrity of the competition that we are engaged in.”

Celtic last week stated their guiding principle would be the best interests of the club and supporters, consistent with upholding the “interests and reputation of Scottish football”.

Speaking about the difficulties facing Scottish football in general, Petrie continued: “We need to find a future for football that people want to be part of.

“We’re one of the leading clubs in the country and we have to play our part in making sure we have a successful and vibrant game. A game that’s attractive to supporters.

“The game touches almost every household in the country.

“Where we are failing a little bit at the moment is getting the balance between those who are willing to make a contribution, supporters and television.

“Our supporters want games at three o’clock on a Saturday and we have to balance that against the needs of a television audience.

“Of course, TV viewers want to see games played out in front of big, enthusiastic, crowds.”