Hibs court controversy as they hire SPFL lawyer to fight SFA Cup Final charges

[ian1964 10,625]

HIBERNIAN have hired SPFL brief Rod McKenzie of top legal firm Harper Macleod to go up against SFA prosecutor Tony McGlennan.

 

HIBS have controversially turned to the lawyer for the SPFL to lead their fight against charges brought by the SFA .

 

Eyebrows have been raised after Hibs engaged the services of Rod McKenzie of top legal firm Harper Macleod to take on SFA prosecutor Tony McGlennan.

 

The compliance officer charged the Easter Road club for the damage caused to the pitch, goalposts and advertising boards by fans following the chaotic scenes at the Scottish Cup Final.

 

Leading figures at Hampden have taken the view McKenzie’s work for Hibs is a conflict of interest, morally if not legally, and possibly a move to antagonise the SFA even though Hibs chairman Rod Petrie is vice-president of the game’s governing body.

 

Others see McKenzie’s hiring as a new move in the power struggle between the SPFL and the SFA, perhaps aimed at undermining SFA chief executive Stewart Regan.

 

Regan has been under pressure recently and if justice is not seen to be done after the scenes of violence that marred the final, his position could become perilous.

 

One source said: “It’s astonishing McKenzie has been allowed to take a role in such a high-profile and sensitive case.

 

"It’s also incredible Rod Petrie has hired the SPFL’s lawyer in a bid to ride a legal coach and horses through SFA articles of association he helps oversee.”

 

McKenzie, Hibs and the SPFL declined to comment, although sources point out Harper Macleod are the leading sports law practitioner in Scotland.

 

Rangers are charged with damage caused by their fans to advertising boards. They and Hibs had until September 6 to respond to McGlennan.

 

Principal hearing dates have been set for Hibs on October 4 and Rangers on October 5. Rangers and the SFA also declined to comment.

 

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/mckenzie-hibs-8854099

[SteveC 150]

utterly sad and shameful and yet all so predictable

[der Berliner 3,563]

Is Scotland so small a country that only the same lawyers, Lords, QC and judges appear in the cases?

[Scott7 5,667]

Battle of the Greens.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

And we haven't done anything to fight the charges. Bet the sfa wish they had thrown them out now

[jhunter 0]

ach

 

he'll just be doing the low-level paper gathering

[pete 2,499]

Is that not Celtics lawyers as well?

[colinstein 294]

Harper McLeod are Celtics lawyers and McKenzie was instrumental in evidence to Nimmo Smith enquiry most of which wwas dismissed by the judge. He famously lost the rag at an SPL meeting accusing Rangers of "cheating for years" I believe McCoist had to be restrained

[the gunslinger 3,366]

Harper McLeod are Celtics lawyers and McKenzie was instrumental in evidence to Nimmo Smith enquiry most of which wwas dismissed by the judge. He famously lost the rag at an SPL meeting accusing Rangers of "cheating for years" I believe McCoist had to be restrained

You've been cheating us for years. He said

[pete 2,499]

You've been cheating us for years. He said

This being the important word I would think.