Rangers call for SPFL chief and legal adviser to be suspended over vote

Rangers and the SPFL are locked in open conflict following an astonishing day in Scottish football.

The Ibrox club’s interim chairman, Douglas Park, has called for the suspension of the League’s chief executive, Neil Doncaster, and its legal advisor, Rod McKenzie.

He said the pair should be removed to allow for an independent investigation into the handling of the vote on “calling” the lower leagues.

Park’s quotes were part of an incendiary statement released yesterday afternoon in which Rangers claimed to have evidence via a whistleblower, raising serious concerns about the League’s stewardship of the process.

The two sides were at odds last week following the League’s rejection of Rangers’ plan to pay cash out to member clubs without a vote. It was dismissed as “legally ineffective”.

Nevertheless, the attack on the Englishman’s integrity was as unexpected as it was dramatic.

Their statement makes reference to an initial refusal from the chief executive to discuss the evidence, and is scathing about the email they eventually received in return, describing is as a “thinly-disguised attempt to silence legitimate concerns”.

Delivered at a time when Doncaster was already under heavy criticism after a calamitous vote – which saw Dundee withdraw a “No” vote that was apparently blocked by a firewall – it presents a serious challenge to the man who has been a power in the game since 2009.

The League had earlier been silent on the situation, as had Dundee, who are expected to deliver their casting vote early this week.

However, given the severity of the claims, the governing body had no choice but to respond, and did so delivering a “put up or shut up”challenge of their own to the Govan club.

SPFL chairman, Murdoch MacLennan, said: “I would expect Rangers interim chairman Douglas Park to present compelling evidence to back up his claims, or to withdraw them.”

It is understood Rangers – who said in their statement they would not be “bullied into silence”, are very confident in the strength of their evidence, but believe it should be seen by independent investigators.

The strident tone of Douglas Park, who only recently took over from departing chairman Dave King, is impossible to miss.

“The lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me,” he said. “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.”

With Dundee expected to deliver their casting vote early next week, the situation is likely to get even hotter.

Especially if, as suspected, the Dens Park club perform a U-turn, and vote in favour of the League’s plan, handing Doncaster a win at a time he needs it most.

It will not be enough to save his job, though, should he fail to defend himself against Rangers’ charges.