Hearts owner Ann Budge has been left red-faced after having to walk back yesterday’s comments regarding Celtic and the championship.
As Celtic legend Chris Sutton has noticeably pointed out, Scottish football is releasing statement after statement this week regarding the resolution. While some of this offers comedic relief during these tough times, it sheds a bad light on Scottish football.
Scottish clubs and the SPFL have not been conducting themselves in a professional manner publicly as of late. As such, it does little to bolster the confidence of fans or the reputation of the league to the rest of the world.
The latest debacle includes Hearts owner Ann Budge who has been asked to head up a task force regarding a restructuring of the league. She released a ridiculous statement yesterday which attacked Celtic, Rangers, and took aim at the SPFL. Not exactly the type of thing you would want to see from someone who’s club could be relegated and is putting put in a position of authority.
Now, she is walking back her comments and saying they were taken out of context. Here is the statement from Hearts:
"“We would like to clarify our position on a comment made by Ann Budge during a broadcast interview that has, by some, been taken out of context.“You shouldn’t be awarded a title if you haven’t played 38 games; you shouldn’t be relegated if you haven’t played 38 games, and all sorts of other things in between. Some rules were changed, others weren’t.”Ann was speaking in reference to the SPFL rules, with the broader point being that it is unfair to change some rules and not others, and not expressing an opinion on whether or not clubs such as Dundee Utd, and Celtic if the Premiership is called, will be deserving winners of their titles, which some articles suggest.The Club’s position has always been one of “promotions but no relegations” on the grounds that there should be no losers in this situation if the season cannot be finished."
The SPFL, and all Scottish clubs need to get their acts together. The reputation of all clubs, and this league are on the line during this time. Every club and owner is inherently selfish in the sense they want what is best for that club’s survival. It makes sense. But by putting the collective whole before themselves may be a better long term solution for every club.