A thought on integrity

[stewarty 2,123]

Sporting integrity is the charge. It is used to beat us across the head. It is used by non Rangers fans throughout the country, and beyond; to justify that we should be punished again and again. And again, for the sins of Murray, Whyte and others. The morality of football is at stake, apparently.

 

But as was articulated in Andy Steel's article, where does morality begin and end? Why pick morality in a sporting context and ignore the financial immorality of other club's choice of sponsors like Wonga.com? Or the immorality in accepting sponsorship from companies who sell alcohol, when those most succeptable to the negative long term effects of such products, are those most likely to be working class and football supporters?

 

The thought hit me today when discussing Rangers plight with a work colleague. It goes thusly: where is the lack of integrity in failing to administer a legally acceptable tax avoidance scheme?

 

Sure the EBT's utilised by Rangers sailed very close to the wind legally, but the crucial point is that they WERE legal at the time. Furthermore, they were fully dislosed on an annual basis within the club's financial statements.

 

What we are charged with, as far as I can tell, is that we have adopted a legally acceptable tax avoidance scheme, but administered it incorrectly.

 

Now, say we had administered the scheme correctly, and that we had no tax liability because of this. Would we still be lacking in sporting integrity? The only difference is in the way we have administered the scheme, remember.

 

I accept that there are moral arguments about the use of such schemes. We need only look at the exposure of Jimmy Carr's use of a similar-looking scheme, to see the public's ire at the means by which those with money, are adept at avoiding tax when those who don't have lots of money, have no means of avoiding it.

 

But lets dispense with the integrity hand-wringing and have an honest debate about the real underlying issues in play: hatred, jealousy and self-interest.

[Max Rebo's Big Blue Nose 0]

I would love to hear the Aberdeen fans view on this so called Sporting Integrity considering they escaped relegation twice by the aid of fabricated play-off and technicality regarding another clubs ground (that seemed ok the year after....)

 

I also fully expect all fans of sporting integrity to bomard their club when one of their players dives to win a penalty. (I am still waiting for the Celtic fans take on Ki's ridiculous dive in the Cup semi by the way....)

[Guest Dutchy]

You forget Gary O'Connors blatant dive, but won his appeal against his punishment, but Aluko lost his in a similar situation, even though the deciders said there was 'contact' in Aluko's case????

[biggordy 0]

Here's "Sporting Integrity" for you. http://www.stmirren-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/gretna_administration_means_saints_almost_safe_381889/index.shtml

[Guest Bluenose80]

Here's "Sporting Integrity" for you. http://www.stmirren-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/gretna_administration_means_saints_almost_safe_381889/index.shtml

 

Says it all mate. They only care about "Sporting Integrity" when it suits them.

[Guest DavieBlue]

As the SPL and its member teams are now the ‘Sporting Integrity world champions’, what a season we have to look forward to. With their newly found high moral principles and unwavering professional standards the season ahead should be the most incredible ever. Just think of a season were there is:

 

No diving for penalties, no arguing with Referees, no players intentionally fouling opposition players, no swearing or being disrespectful to your opponent

 

It’s also going to be amazing watching the supporters applaud each others teams onto the pitch, and win or lose they stay until the end so they can congratulate the winners as they exit the field.

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if EUFA or even FIFA presented the SPL with an award at the end of the season for letting the world see how football should be played……

 

Or am I just being a bit sarcastic?