The SPFL might want their members to move on from the omnishambles that is their league-ending proposal vote, but even in their incompetence, they must see there’s fat chance of that.
Hearts chair Ann Budge has described anyone thinking this is the end of the matter as being “optimistic”.
Rangers also want the SPFL taken to task for alleged corruption, with calls for an independent investigation being echoed by manager Steven Gerrard in the press.
In short, there’s about as much chance of reconciliation as there is Andy Goram handing the title to Neil Lennon in an empty Parkhead whilst they both wear half-and-half scarves as protection against the coronavirus.
And it’s our friends to the east who have been suspiciously quiet in all of this.
One of the clubs who apparently stand to gain the most from the proposals – league title aside, this is confirmation of a Champions League qualification place – Celtic appear to be on the sidelines.
But let’s be honest here, it’s more like the shadows.
Spare us the patronising “we haven’t said anything” shtick.
Peter is a name routinely mentioned in leaked WhatsApp messages.
The league outcome on average points is the exact same as the one posed by Celtic boss Neil Lennon in the immediate aftermath of the league shutdown.
Dundee’s No vote magically changing to a Yes wasn’t done because the Dens Park club had a sudden change of heart. Nor did the SPFL agree to gloss over their rules because it’s for the greater good.
There’s more than a touch of evidence to suggest Celtic sit right at the very heart of it. As is their right, many might say.
Rangers, after all, have been working overtime to give their two cents in a political firefight which threatens to scorch every corner of Scottish football
But it raises the question – why are Celtic so desperate to claim a title and a trophy which, let’s be honest here, will not be recognised by any rival supporter?
This isn’t a trophy, it’s a gift.
Any suggestion Celtic’s 9IAR celebrations will be taken seriously is enough to make even Charlie Nicholas wince in embarrassment.
Should Celtic be handed this trophy, it also calls into question the legitimacy of any claim to 10IAR, should they earn that when football eventually restarts. That could be longer than we think too.
The notion that Celtic fans have been waiting the best part of a decade for 8.75 in a row and potentially 9.75 is the biggest anti-climax since the ending to Game of Thrones.
The SPFL might want this to be done and dusted and for clubs to move on quickly, but should things go through as they stand, it will forever taint a legacy Celtic spent a decade building.
Any bragging rights, any goading of rivals, will be completely eradicated by a grappling insistence to be awarded a trophy they have not yet earned.
Tainted? That barely begins to describe what’s gone on should the SPFL successfully silence their detractors.
But you can bet there isn’t a Rangers fan out there who’ll let them forget it.
