Vote fiasco: Rangers call for suspension of SPFL chief Neil Doncaster

Rangers have called for the suspension of SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and the body’s legal adviser Rod McKenzie while an independent inquiry is conducted into, what they call the “farcical” circumstances surrounding the vote to bring an immediate end to the three lower divisions and provide the framework for calling the Premiership.

Rangers interim chairman Douglas Park, centre, and SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, right. Picture: Alan Harvey/SNS

In an incendiary statement, the Ibrox club have claimed they have “evidence from a whistleblower that “raises serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member clubs.” The vote was thrown into disarray with no outcome because of Dundee’s apparent failure to vote.

The Dens Park stated to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Partick Thistle they would vote with them to reject the resolution and so prevent it passing the 75 per cent threshold in the Championship, only for Dundee’s ballot to fail to be lodged. Subsequently aspersions have been cast over what happened with Dundee’s ballot, with Inverness chief executive Scott Gardiner claiming the Dens Park club’s secretary Eric Drysdale told him they had submitted it at 4.52pm on Friday, only or the SPFL to release details of the votes lodged that did not include Dundee’s ballot an hour later.

The SPFL have let it be known through sources that they were told by Dundee not to count their vote, with the Dens Park club refusing to explain their position in having thereafter, in being unavailable for comment since.

Rangers have questioned the SPFL’s governance over this and other matters, accusing Doncaster of attempting to silence them with Interim chairman Donald Park listing a lengthy charge sheet and stating that the “lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me”.

Rangers statement read: “We have been presented with evidence via a whistleblower that raises serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member clubs.

“Rangers’ Interim chairman, Douglas Park, attempted to discuss this evidence with SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, who initially refused to do so. The SPFL followed up that call with an e-mail, which we believe was a thinly disguised attempt to silence legitimate concerns.

“Rangers will not be bullied into silence. We believe it is in the interests of all Scottish clubs and supporters that the evidence, which is alarming, be addressed as quickly as possible. The voting debacle and the evidence we possess raise serious questions concerning the corporate governance of the SPFL.

“Mr Park said: “The lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me. If ever there was a time for complete openness and transparency, it is now. Crucial decisions are being made on the issues of promotion and relegation behind closed doors and without proper time for consideration or debate.

“The farcical conduct of this affair seems to me to bring the corporate governance and business operations of the SPFL into sharp focus. It is an example of an undemocratic culture, which has existed within the SPFL for far too long.

“As a member club, we are disturbed by the evidence that has been presented and feel there is no choice but to call for an independent investigation into this entire matter. Each member of the SPFL board has a duty to its members to ensure that such an investigation is instructed without delay.

“All we ask for is equality and respect. In the past few days, we have become alarmed at a seeming lack of even-handedness and fair play from the SPFL. This is surely unacceptable and, if substantiated, must be remedied.

“Other member clubs, who have seen the evidence we hold, share our concerns. We call for the suspension of the SPFL’s Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster and its legal adviser, Rod McKenzie while an independent investigation is conducted.”

Responding to Rangers’ statement, PFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “It is extremely concerning that Rangers have chosen to make a number of very serious allegations against the SPFL, its corporate governance, its culture, its office-bearers and its business operations.

“In the often-heated atmosphere of Scottish football, rumour and misinformation can very quickly reach fever-point. However, allegations of a lack of even-handedness and fair play go to the very integrity of the league and I would expect Rangers Interim Chairman Douglas Park to present compelling evidence to back up his claims, or to withdraw them.

“I anticipate that the SPFL Board will convene early next week to discuss a wide variety of issues and I will be writing to Mr Park asking him to urgently communicate any and all information he possesses in order that the board can take whatever steps are necessary.”