Rangers' resolution for investigation into SPFL resoundingly REJECTED - Murdoch MacLennan urges clubs to 'unite'

The SPFL member clubs voted on the proposal today

The EGM took place to decide whether an independent investigation take place. Picture: SNS

Rangers’ resolution for an independent investigation to be carried out into the SPFL has been rejected.

The member clubs voted on the proposal today.

It required 75 per cent approval with the backing of nine Premiership clubs, eight in the Championship and 15 clubs from League One and Two combined.

The resolution received just 13 votes in favour with 27 clubs against it, while two abstained.

In the Premiership four clubs supported the resolution, only one from the Championship and eight from Leagues One and Two combined.

Rangers’ demanded an inquiry following the handling of the SPFL’s resolution which prompted much controversy since the Good Friday vote to terminate the Championship, League One and League Two.

Since then statements have flew around Scottish football like confetti with clubs raising concerns, the SPFL explaining their position, with plenty of accusations thrown across the period.

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan has called on the 42 member clubs to “unite” to “rescue” the game in Scotland.

He has also “taken careful note” of concerns raised by a “minority of clubs”.

“The last few weeks have been bruising ones for many people in our game,” he said. “Far too many words have been spoken and written which have sown anger and division amongst clubs. That is a matter of the deepest regret to very many people in our game, myself included.

“I know those who proposed this resolution will be disappointed, but I trust that everyone involved, on both sides of this argument, will now respect the clear, democratic and decisive result we have seen today and allow our game to move forward together. The overwhelming majority of clubs voted to oppose this resolution and it’s now incumbent on all clubs to put their differences aside, otherwise we will all suffer together.

“I have taken careful note of the concerns expressed by the minority of clubs which voted in favour and when we are back to playing football in a safe environment, I will bring clubs together to discuss the lessons learned.

“Every single one of us understands that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought huge challenges for our game, which we must overcome soon if we are to save all 42 clubs and restart the sport we all love.

“That is a daunting prospect in its own right – one of the gravest our sport has faced and it’s no exaggeration to say that it threatens the very existence of many of the SPFL’s clubs if we get it wrong.

“If Scottish football is to survive this, we simply must unite and use the enormous talents, resources and creativity at our collective disposal to rescue our game.

“Time is short. In reality, we must do everything humanly possible to get games back up and running by the end of July.

“We simply cannot afford the distraction of further infighting or legal challenges.

“I’m sure we can all agree that the quicker we get back to playing football, the better.”