‘Very uncomfortable’ – Keith Jackson reacts to yet another Rangers saga
Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson has described the long-running saga between Rangers and the SPFL over sponsorship as “very uncomfortable”.
The newspaper has shared his response in its print edition (17 July, pg 43), as he says the football governing body has been forced into a “humiliating apology” following its row with the Gers over its Cinch sponsorship deal.
The dispute first surfaced when the SPFL agreed on a deal with the car retailer in 2021, something Rangers refused to promote after making a prior agreement with rival car firm Park’s of Hamilton, Douglas Park’s company.
But the SPFL has now said it “regrets any damage to the reputation” of Rangers and Park as a result of the dispute, with the governing body making a contribution to the costs of the two damaged parties.
Responding to the news, Jackson said the saga surrounding the sponsorship deal leaves SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and chairman Murdoch MacLennan in a “very uncomfortable position”.
“Doncaster is a stickler for the rulebook, but his judgement appears to have been clouded on this occasion,” the journalist added.
“The independent probe into what went so wrong and why could determine his fate.”
Damning
That is quite a damning verdict from the Daily Record journalist, as he is one of many that are clearly not impressed by the way the SPFL has conducted itself in regard to this dispute.
An independent review of governance will now be conducted to help ensure the governing body avoids any such saga taking place in the future.
But, depending on what the investigation reveals, it could already be too late for senior figures at the SPFL to try and save their skin following the embarrassing situation.
It’s good to see the damages occurred by Rangers and Park during the dispute will be paid, with it being agreed that the money will be donated to charity.
It seems as though this is a time for the SPFL to take its medicine and hope this long-running saga, which all those impacted parties will be glad to see come to an end, never happens again.
In other Rangers news, the Gers may be able to get a deal for one player over the line as his current manager makes a transfer admission.