After having their demand for an independent investigation of the SPFL alongside the suspensions of the Neil Doncaster and Rod McKenzie rejected by member clubs the Ibrox side have issued a White Flag statement.
Four weeks of fire and brimstone led by BBC Scotland managed to muster just 13 votes across the 42 clubs. To carry their resolution 32 votes were required.
In contrast more than 80% of clubs voted in favour of the Good Friday proposal to complete the season based on average points won per match.
Celtic with 2.67 points per match will now be awarded the title with Steven Gerrard’s men a distant second with just 2.31 points per match.
Reacting to the AGM vote the club stated:
WE note the result of the vote taken at this morning’s General Meeting and wish to thank all clubs for listening to our concerns, giving up their time to read our report and for voting.
We also wish to place on record our thanks to our fellow requisitioners, who showed courage and acted with dignity throughout. Furthermore, to those clubs who voted in favour of the resolution, we appreciate your support and recognise your desire for increased accountability at the top of our national sport.
Today’s vote has erased the false narrative of this issue simply being a conflict between one club and the SPFL. All we sought was urgently required scrutiny, respect for all member clubs, fairness and transparency.
Significantly, support for the Hearts, Stranraer and Rangers requisition spanned the four professional divisions. Member clubs, recognising the need for Scottish football to improve its governance and professionalism, have moved beyond sporting rivalries and it would be unwise to regard this result as any kind of endorsement of the SPFL executive.
A light has been shone on the SPFL’s governance and regardless of the attempts to debunk our report, there is widespread acknowledgment that it highlighted serious issues and failings which remain to be addressed.
A management culture which not only fears accountability and scrutiny, but which actively campaigns against it, is unhealthy and breeds continued mistrust. This culture, so deeply embedded, must be addressed if Scottish football is to flourish.
It is clear that many members have lost confidence in the SPFL leadership and the need for change will not diminish. The status quo cannot hold.
Douglas Park can now concentrate on funding the club through to the resumption of football with wages deferred despite claiming that the £10m funding gap for this season has been filled.