It was the end of reconstruction hopes but it could just be the start of a bitter battle if Hearts and Partick Thistle decide to legally challenge their relegation after an incomplete season.
A 14-10-10-10 proposal fell at the first hurdle after Scottish clubs delivered their ‘indicative votes’ on the set-up that would have spared the Jambos, Jags and Stranraer.
Firhill supremo Jacqui Low had called on fellow members to do the right thing but her impassioned plea fell on deaf ears with three top flight clubs alone kiboshing the plan before taking into account the thoughts of lower league clubs.
Low warned of “irreparable damage” and years of division in the game if reconstruction wasn’t in place for the new season and it could be about to get ugly.
Former Gorgie chairman and legale eagle Leslie Deans claimed the SPFL could be facing potential damages of £8 million if his old club opt to go to court.
It shouldn’t be a major surprise that clubs were unable to agree on a solution with history showing clubs are often motivated by self-interest and the Hotline highlighted the divide in opinions.
Ian Urquhart said: “Just when you think Hearts can’t get any lower, yet again there is the threat of legal action and dragging the SPFL through the courts at a potential cost of £8 million.
“Former Tynecastle chairman Leslie Deans is the man who is talking up their chances of winning a legal battle and it’s no surprise given the fact he’s a lawyer who could act on their behalf and make a fortune.”
Peter Carrick, Glencoe, said: “I didn’t hear Jacqui Low screaming about clubs being unfairly relegated over the 14-14-14 proposal that would have meant Forfa, Peterhead and Clyde being relegated back to the bottom tier of Scottish football.
“Or could it maybe just be that she was quite happy to see Partick Thistle’s closest rivals - Clyde - drop down in order to save her club. I had every sympathy for Partick - until now.”
But Hearts fans are raging at the lack of support and Robert McIntosh, Broxburn, said: “We must take this all the way because the SPFL brought this situation on themselves with their rush to end the season and shambolic handling of the vote.
“Neil Doncaster should have considered the consequences and in failing to come up with a solution that keeps everyone happy he has left himself open to this.”
Even if a 14-team Scottish Premiership was up and running for next season, Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish wasn’t sure Hearts should have been part of it and suggested a play-off against Dundee to take that final place.
And John Stewart, Newton Mearns, said: “It’s a great idea from Kenny Dalglish for Hearts to have a play-off against Dundee for a Scottish Pemiership place.
“This should also have been done for the Champions League place between Rangers and Celtic.”
Deans claimed Hearts could seek an interdict and delay the start of the new season but when the campaign does finally get underway Hoops boss Neil Lennon has called for the opening Old Firm clash to be delayed until fans are more likely to be allowed in.
But George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Celtic are trying to use their undoubted influence with the Scottish football authorities by trying to tell them when fixtures should be played next season.
“The only thing Lennon is bothered about is that Celtic are due to play at home in the first derby and is worried they would lose out on a home advantage of a 60,000 crowd.
“During the last nine years when Celtic have either won league titles on the playing field or been awarded them owing to the season being incomplete they have benefited greatly one way or another from the misfortunes of others or exceptional circumstances. “Perhaps if they were to be inconvenienced slightly disadvantage on this occasion they could accept it gracefully and with a bit of dignity.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “The paranoia of Rangers fans is off the scale. Neil Lennon was only suggesting they play the Glasgow derby last and the ‘poor us’ victim brigade is out.
“The pressure of 10-in-a-row and Celtic beating them to 54 unshared titles is sending them into paranoia meltdown and we’re loving it.”
