‘I have no doubt’ – Barry Ferguson issues verdict on Rangers whistleblower claim
Barry Ferguson has urged Rangers to hand over their dossier of evidence on the SPFL so that the Scottish game can move on to tackling “bigger issues”.
The Gers have become embroiled in a war of words with the governing body in recent weeks following the authority’s poor handling of the vote on whether or not the Scottish lower leagues should be brought to an end early because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Since then, the club have called for an independent investigation into the ballot process, and claim to have proof of malpractice, despite a prior inquiry from auditors Deloitte finding no evidence of improper behaviour.
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan has subsequently branded the demands “unnecessary and inappropriate”.
But ex-Ibrox hero Ferguson believes it it is time for the Gers to go public with their dossier to trigger an inquiry.
Writing in a column for the Daily Record, he said: “‘Unnecessary’ and ‘inappropriate’ – two words that jumped out from the SPFL letter to clubs regarding Rangers’ demand for an independent inquiry into the season-ending resolution.
“But I’d argue it was that part of their statement which was unnecessary and inappropriate because I have no doubt an independent probe is exactly what’s needed.
“The investigation that was held didn’t go far enough. But Rangers need to hurry up and get the evidence out there. Get it on the table and say, ‘bang, this is what we’ve got’ and then deal with it. Because at the moment it’s a guessing game.
“Get it done and dusted then we can move forward because there are bigger problems out there.”
Does Ferguson have a point?
Here at Ibrox News, we have stated on more than one occasion that the Gers shouldn’t have to hand over their dossier of evidence for an inquiry to be called.
It is blatantly obvious that something wasn’t right with the vote that ended lower league seasons early, and even if there was no overt malpractice to speak of, there needs to be a proper examination of how and why it ended up becoming such a shambles.
Now, however, it looks as if we have reached a point where most clubs will call to see the dossier before backing any proposal on an investigation, as per the Daily Record.
If that is the case, then Ferguson is absolutely right.
Make it public and get it over with.
In other Rangers news, ‘Something to hide’ – Ally McCoist fires warning at SPFL amid Gers controversy.