Partick Thistle have issue a passionate plea urging clubs to "do the right thing" when it comes to league reconstruction.
All 42 SPFL clubs are currently mulling over plans for a 14-10-10-10 league structure. They have been asked to outline their position on the proposal by 10am on Monday. If there's enough support the proposal will be included in a formal resolution.
Under the plan, Hearts, Partick and Stranraer will avoid relegation, while Brora Rangers and Kelty Hearts will be promoted.
In a club statement issued this afternoon, chairman Jacqui Low has been urging other sides to "choose to do no harm" when making their mind up.
She added: “Despite being relegated in an arbitrary fashion – with a game in hand and only two points behind our nearest rivals – we stand ready, willing and able to play, including behind closed doors. But today, we still don’t know when or even if we will play football next season.
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“Does anyone in Scottish football believe we deserve to be punished with a double whammy like this? Which club would find it acceptable if they were in our shoes? Not one of them.
“Clubs need to think carefully about what their indicative vote to the SPFL will be on Monday and what will inform that decision. Everyone needs to reflect on their motives and thoughts behind their next step.
“Let’s be blunt in our plea to fellow clubs so that there’s no misunderstanding. Use this opportunity to do something positive for our game – right the wrongs done to us and a number of other clubs."
The statement adds: “Don’t use your vote to settle old scores. Don’t reinforce rivalries between clubs just to keep fans happy. Don’t turn a blind eye because it doesn’t impact on you – this time.
“Recognise there will be far-reaching consequences of your actions for Thistle and everyone associated with the club. If that doesn’t matter to you, then focus on doing the right thing for Scottish football. If this vote collapses because people cannot set aside self-interest and ego, our game potentially faces irreparable damage and ongoing division for many years to come.
“At a time unparalleled in footballing history, countries throughout Europe have re-jigged their league set ups to protect the whole – we have the opportunity to do the same.
“For Thistle, if proposed reconstruction fails, the consequences of the actions visited on us by fellow clubs will be long term and serious. We will prevail because “that which does not kill us makes us stronger” but not before we suffer more pain and financial harm than is necessary or fair.
“We believe it is time for clubs to show solidarity with us as we arbitrarily and disproportionately bear the brunt of the damage being done to our game due to circumstances that are no-one’s fault.
“Our plea is simple: choose to do no harm.”
It was reported on Friday that relegations and league reconstruction failure could even leave the SPFL facing a £6million claim.
Hearts have already indicated they would be prepared to take legal action if they are demoted to the Championship.
