Rangers owner Craig Whyte has threatened to take legal action against the BBC following a programme that highlighted several skeletons from his previous business ventures.
As well as a claim that he acted as a director whilst serving a seven year ban the programme spoke to former Rangers directors Al Johnston and Paul Murray who aired their concerns about Whyte for the first time.
Former chairman Johnston claimed that he appealed to Sir David Murray not to sell his shareholding to Whyte only to be told that ‘it’s too late’.
Murray and Johnston were cleared out alongwith Chief Executive Martin Bain when Whyte paid Murray £1 to buy out his 85% shareholding in the club.
Bain has a claim for damages against Rangers back in court today after former Finance Director Donald McIntyre had £300,000 frozen in the Rangers bank account earlier this week.
Whyte had threatened to make a counter claim against Bain but has so far failed to raise any action while Rangers didn’t put up any legal defence against McIntyre’s claim.
Following last night’s programme which brought Whyte’s chequered business history to a mainstream audience for the first time the Rangers owner issued a vague threat about legal action.
A spokesman for Whyte claimed: “He strenuously refutes these unfounded and defamatory allegations.
“He has instructed his lawyers to commence immediate legal proceedings against the BBC.”
Before the BBC programme had been aired Whyte had given his first ever television interview to STV who chose not to ask the Rangers owner about any of his previous business successes.
During the interview Whyte admitted that the verdict of a £60m claim from HMRC may not be appealed if the judgement goes against Rangers.
“What I will say is that I think that it would be impossible for any business to operate with this level of public scrutiny with that tax debt hanging over it,” he told STV. “With tribunals potentially going on for months and years to come.
“I think that it’s to the benefit of Rangers and everyone involved in Rangers that a conclusion is reached to this as quickly as possible.”
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The court in edinburgh today could be very entertaining
Whyte has claimed quite clearly he has had “More success than failure”
What STV’s “Paxman” never asked was what his idea of success is?
If Whyte’s definition of a successful business venture is closure or liquidation, then let’s wish him every success in the future.
He seems to be doing OK up to now.
Interesting? Are you kidding me?
There is no way on this planet that an outfit connected so much to the “establishment” will be penalized. There will be every possible efort made to protect rangers and their dishonest dealings over the years. Not a hope in hell for justice. You only have to see the handling of the cases against those who have tried to kill our manager and placed threats on the internet looking to gain support against the life of Neil Lennon. The sad little country of Scotland, even UK, have those they will protect and those they will criminalize. Makes one wonder just who really was behind the threats to Lennon. I know I have my thoughts and opinions.
message to paul Mc’bride QC .pal i know its the bbc but the price of my TV lience is daylight robbery .so i’d rather see them pay you to tear craiy whyte a new orrafice.fill yer boots