Rangers call for suspension of SPFL chief Neil Doncaster and investigation into voting crisis

RANGERS have called for the suspension of SPFL chief Neil Doncaster while an investigation into their voting process is carried out.

The club also want the SPFL’s legal adviser, Rod McKenzie, to be suspended for the duration of the probe.

PA:Press Association

Rangers have called for SPFL chief Neil Doncaster’s suspension[/caption]

The Ibrox club made the call in a blistering statement on their website as they insisted they won’t be “bullied into silence”.

It comes a day after clubs voted on Hampden bosses’ resolution to end the Championship, League One and League Two seasons.

Premiership sides also had their say on whether the campaign should be ended early due to the coronavirus crisis.

But as things currently stand, Dundee hold all the cards as they have yet to submit their vote.

And that will ultimately prove the decider for the SPFL, regardless which way they decide to go.

However, Rangers now claim to have evidence that raises issues over the SPFL’s voting process.

And they have blasted the governing body’s apparent attempt to “silence legitimate concerns”.

Their statement read: “We have been presented with evidence via a whistleblower that raises serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member clubs.

“Rangers’ interim chairman, Douglas Park, attempted to discuss this evidence with SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, who initially refused to do so.

“The SPFL followed up that call with an e-mail, which we believe was a thinly disguised attempt to silence legitimate concerns.

“Rangers will not be bullied into silence.

“We believe it is in the interests of all Scottish clubs and supporters that the evidence, which is alarming, be addressed as quickly as possible.

“The voting debacle and the evidence we possess raise serious questions concerning the corporate governance of the SPFL.”

‘SHOCKED’

Rangers’ interim chairman Douglas Park accused the SPFL of a lack of leadership, admitting that it had “shocked” him.

And he called for the suspension of Doncaster and McKenzie, alongside an independent investigation into the voting process.

Park said: “The lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me.

“If ever there was a time for complete openness and transparency, it is now.

“Crucial decisions are being made on the issues of promotion and relegation behind closed doors and without proper time for consideration or debate.

“The farcical conduct of this affair seems to me to bring the corporate governance and business operations of the SPFL into sharp focus.

“It is an example of an undemocratic culture, which has existed within the SPFL for far too long.

“As a member club, we are disturbed by the evidence that has been presented and feel there is no choice but to call for an independent investigation into this entire matter.

“Each member of the SPFL board has a duty to its members to ensure that such an investigation is instructed without delay.

“All we ask for is equality and respect.

“In the past few days, we have become alarmed at a seeming lack of even-handedness and fair play from the SPFL.

“This is surely unacceptable and, if substantiated, must be remedied.

“Other member clubs, who have seen the evidence we hold, share our concerns.

“We call for the suspension of the SPFL’s Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster and its legal adviser, Rod McKenzie while an independent investigation is conducted.”