Three former Celtic players – Davie Provan, Kris Commons and Charlie Nicholas – have all thrown their support behind Rangers’ resolution calling for an independent investigation into the SPFL’s handling of the April ballot to end the lower-league season.
Writing in the Scottish Sun, Provan contests that it’s the best way forward.
“Given the embarrassing shambles that’s been unfolding in front of us since the Good Friday voting fiasco, I’d hope clubs vote in favour,” he said.
“Why — given the embarrassment the SPFL have served on the game — wouldn’t they allow an independent set of eyes to have a look if they’ve nothing to fear?”
Commons was initially sceptical about the motivations behind Rangers’ claims but now believes the number of other clubs criticising the governing body suggests something is afoot.
“If I’m a club chairman tomorrow, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be voting in favour of an independent investigation into the SPFL’s handling of the resolution to end leagues as they stood,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Finally, former Hoops striker Nicholas has been on Rangers’ side from the off.
“I have agreed with Rangers from the outset that there should be an independent inquiry into the handling of the end-the-season vote,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“The allegations against Neil Doncaster, Rod McKenzie and Murdoch MacLennan all need to be investigated.”
Verdict
Scottish football is known for its tribalism and very rarely do you have pundits with Celtic connections agreeing with Rangers or vice-versa.
Therefore, it speaks for just how shambolic the last month or so has been, that three ex-Hoops stars are publicly supporting the Gers’ resolution.
Provan, Commons and Nicholas have done plenty of Rangers bashing over the past season and beyond but that has been temporarily put aside as an increasing number of pundits and clubs have come round to the idea that an independent investigation is the only way a semblance of closure will be gained from this whole saga.
The EGM is set to begin at 11am this morning, with the resolution requiring 75% approval – with specific majorities from each division – for it to be successful.
