SPL Statement in regards to Rangers singing controversy

[ian1964 10,870]

February 27, 2009 �· By Editor �· Filed Under Celtic, Rangers, SPL

 

After the recent Old Firm Derby match at Celtic Park, where it was alleged racist, sectarian and bigoted songs were being sung by the Rangers supporters - and that the Match Delegate would be putting it into his report. We waited for the report to become public or at least a statement from the SPL to be released. However it has not been forthcoming and news on any action if any would be taken seems to have been swept under the carpet. But this afternoon we received an answer to our email from David Ogilvie, the SPL Operations Administrator - who is in charge of the Match Delegates.

 

From the look of it, it is just your typical Statement by a company in the process of undertaking action or the possibility of taking action. However it also seems from comments made by the SPL Marketing & Communications Manager to David Ogilvie in a forwarded reply - that was not deleted by the way - that they have a pre-written statement that is sent out to those they feel would publish a statement in the public doman, such as Scotzine.com.

 

David Ogilvie�s Email Statement:

 

Dear ******,

 

Thanks for your e-mail.

 

The process to possible breaches of SPL Rules in relation to unacceptable behaviour is as follows:

 

- We will consider the reports submitted by our Match Delegates and any other complaint which we may receive from other parties, including the opposing Club, the Match Commander and the SFA.

 

- The report will be passed to the Clubs involved in each match for comment.

 

- Complaints or reports which in the opinion the SPL Board provide ground for further investigation will be passed to an independent Commission, with a legally qualified Chairman, which will be appointed to determine whether or not a Club has breached SPL Rules.

 

- The Commission will also determine the sanction that would be applied in the event of a breach of the SPL Rules.

 

- A wide range of progressive sanctions may be applied. Any sanctions applied will be proportionate to the nature of the breach and will consider the previous record and work undertaken by the particular Club.

 

We conduct much of our work in this area below the parapet. We have found this to be a much more effective form of governance in this area and it is policy which we will continue with.

 

The introduction of our rules has resulted in a number of improvements across the board which is the aim. Our clubsââ?¬â?¢ policies and procedures of trying to prevent ââ?¬Ë?unacceptable conductââ?¬â?¢ and deal with it if it occurs have improved. That is not to say that this social problem has been solved as clearly it is more complex than that but progress is being made.

 

Regards

 

David Ogilvie

Scottish Premier League

 

First of all we would like to thank David for his reply and for taking time out of his busy schedule to do so. But given the comments made by Greg Mailer in an attached email to David Ogilvie, it is clear in my opinion, that they have had this statement written to be sent out and when someone they want to fob off contacts them, they duly send the prepared statement out.

 

Why is that? are they still considering punishing Rangers? are they preparing a way to brush it under the carpet, hoping it all goes away? or are they awaiting Celtic fans to make a move that will give the SPL a way out to punish both clubs or neither?

 

Tags: controversy, Rangers, SPL, statement

 

http://scotzine.com/blog/?p=3422

[maineflyer 0]

Our old friend and fellow Gersnet member, Scotzine, has found yet another opportunity to demonstrate his even-handed attitude towards Rangers FC.

[Bluedell 6,075]

Yup, Scotzine kids on at being neutral but clearly shows his bias yet again.

 

The Celtic fans were as much to blame during the old firm game and had another IRA-fest at last week's game, but of course he missed that.

[ian1964 10,870]

Now that we are top of the league,and hopefully remain that way after today,I fully expect more pressure from the MOPES attacking the Rangers fans songs