Soccer: Old Firm hit back at SPL clubs

Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod accused SPL clubs of having a hidden agenda after they announced their intention to quit the Scottish league.

The 10 SPL clubs outside the Old Firm today announced their plans to quit the Scottish league in two years time after Rangers and Celtic both vetoed plans for an SPL TV channel last week.

But McLeod claims only the 10 clubs outside the Old Firm had the hidden agenda and their actions have thrown the future of Scottish football into uncertainty.

He added: ‘‘There has been a lot said about hidden agendas but I think the hidden agenda was revealed today.

‘‘It would appear quite clear that there was a high degree of unanimity very quickly around the table that this was the action to be taken.

‘‘Clearly there is a collapse in terms of the media market and that’s no-one’s fault, it’s just the way that economics have driven it.

‘‘We came here in good faith today to look forward to a constructive dialogue on how we might take Scottish football forward and improve the viability of it through the media deals that were on the table.

‘‘Against that backdrop to throw uncertainty around Scottish football again as a result of that action is very surprising.’’

The 10 other Scottish Premier League clubs have revealed their intention to resign from the current league set-up following the two seasons’ notice they are required to give.

Hearts chief executive Chris Robinson - speaking on behalf of ‘the 10’ - made their decision known at a meeting at Hampden Park today which was originally held to thrash out rights over terrestrial television and radio coverage of games next season.

That would mean only the Old Firm would remain as part of the current format but Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod is confident a solution can be found.

He said: ‘‘To be in a position in two years’ time where Rangers and Celtic have no league to play in I think is an unthinkable proposition and will not happen.

‘‘There will be some form of agreement reached in terms of league structuring.

‘‘But let’s be clear here, Rangers and Celtic are still part of the SPL, it’s the other 10 clubs which have elected not to participate.

‘‘Perhaps that’s encouraging for the other clubs below them within the league structure.’’

The 10 clubs have thrown Rangers and Celtic a lifeline by offering them the opportunity to join the breakaway league upon its conception in season 2004/05.