As the SPFL league shutdown threatens to see the Scottish Premiership season finish early, there’s been plenty said by Rangers supporters and fans of other teams.
Uncertainty over the league season has some calling for the campaign to be voided, whilst others believe it should be finished with the current standings deciding the victors.
With Celtic 13 points clear – albeit having played a game more and with two OId Firms to come – reports have suggested the SPFL are set to enforce the latter [Gavin Wallace].
This would mean Hearts are relegated – with the Edinburgh club building a legal defence [Edinburgh Evening News] – and it opens up a massive can of worms for clubs across the divisions.
Many Rangers fans believe awarding Celtic the title would be unfair given Rangers could haul the points tally back to four and there is an outside chance of them winning the league.
One of the primary arguments being put forward against voiding the season is the potential legal/financial ramifications involving broadcasters and season ticket holders reclaiming money.
This is something which was peddled by Hamilton vice-chairman Les Gray, whose side conveniently sit in 11th and would likely secure Scottish Premiership survival if current standings are held.
“I don’t think the season can ever be made null and void,” said Gray [Scottish Sun].
“After 30 games, if you make the season null and void — season-ticket holders are entitled to their money back for a start.
“The broadcaster could say the season never happened and want their money back.
“From a financial perspective you can’t make the season void, what you can do is look at what alternatives there are.”
For a start, it is difficult to justify how broadcasters or season ticket holders could claim for matches which have already been played.
The entire basis of civil law in Scotland is returning the pursuer to the position he would’ve been in before the breach of contract.
Whilst the legalities concerning this situation are unprecedented, the notion Sky or BT Sports can claim this back for a full season is at odds with this.
If the season is to end prematurely with titles awarded and clubs relegated, what is stopping broadcasters claiming for the remaining games which have yet to be shown anyway?
There’s no suggestion that they wouldn’t do this no matter the outcome of the league season. In both scenarios, the campaign ends early and contracts have not been fulfilled.
It would appear the only way to guarantee there isn’t a loss in broadcasting revenue is to finish the season somehow.
Similarly, it is difficult to see how season ticket holders could realistically claim for the portion of the season they attended matches.
Or why they’d claim money back from financially stricken clubs they support at all.
Whilst the entire thing is a gigantic legal minefield, club chairman and the like must be more responsible with these sorts of claims.
If the league season is to be awarded early – which many believe is looking increasingly likely – all the facts and arguments from every angle must be laid out and worked through.
It looks like there’s going to be plenty of time to make the decision, so whilst there’s pressure from certain clubs to make it happen quickly, the SPFL have got to draw a breath and secure clarification.
Start with the broadcasters.
