When news broke today that HMRC had won their third appeal against Rangers’ original BTC victory, it is safe to say everyone in Scotland not of an Ibrox persuasion had something of a meltdown in glee. Those “BIG BAD RANJURS WILL PAY” was the general theme, with overriding joy at the result of this appeal.
The curiosity remains though why these fair-minded and law-abiding souls have ignored every other ruling in this sordid soap opera.
Oh, I know: because they did not like what they heard.
2012 – Rangers win the BTC. Scottish football screams ‘fix’.
2012 – Lord Nimmo Smith rules Rangers are the same club. Scottish football screams ‘fix’.
2012 – Uefa confirm Rangers are the same club. Scottish football screams ‘fix’.
2012 – Fifa confirm Rangers are the same club. Scottish football screams ‘fix’.
2012 – The ECA confirm Rangers are the same club. Scottish football screams ‘fix’.
2012 – The SFA rule Rangers are the same club. Scottish football starts to froth.
2012 – HMRC lose their appeal over the BTC. Scottish football foams.
2014 – HMRC lose their second appeal over BTC. Scottish football goes red in the face.
2015 – SPFL confirms Rangers are the same club. Scottish football gets placed in a straight jacket.
So…all these authorities and bodies ruling in favour of Rangers. Scottish football ignores every single one of them.
Today, HMRC won its third appeal – NOW Scottish football is listening.
Suddenly the bodies which were ignored now get Scottish football’s ear simply because it likes what it hears.
Today’s ruling was another stage in the long saga of this appeal soap opera – it was more opinions from more judges who, like all before them, must be respected and they are entitled to their conclusion. Rangers fans can respect these opinions, even if we disagree with them, and the case will presumably go to the Supreme Court.
But it is a crying pity Scottish football has not listened to or respected a single ruling until it was one it liked.
Is this really a fair minded society?