Fans have hit out at the Scottish Lowland League after clubs voted in favour of a proposal allowing Celtic and Rangers ‘B’ teams to take part in next season’s competition.
Talks to allow Celtic and Rangers youth teams into the division were formally announced last week as clubs were set to be offered £50,000 by the Glasgow pair to make it happen. It went to a deciding vote on Monday night.
Lowland League clubs have voted for Celtic and Rangers colts. (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
Clubs like Bonnyrigg Rose had already confirmed that they would stand against the proposals but other clubs have managed enough voted to pass. It now looks highly likely that the Celtic and Rangers ‘B’ teams will compete in the division next term, albeit for one season only as it stands.
A statement reads: “The Scottish Lowland Football League can confirm that member clubs have voted in favour of a proposal allowing Rangers and Celtic ‘B’ teams to take part in next season’s competition – for one season only. The meeting of clubs was called following discussions between the SLFL Board to consider the proposal. Work now be undertaken to make the required rule changes to allow this to happen.”
But fans are not happy about this, and while some believe it will be a good thing for the division, many have serious doubts about the decision.
Good to see there’s a league in this country open to progressive and open relationships instead of all the same old cloak and dagger, backwater stuff from the SPFL and the SFA. Be interesting to see how it plays out.
— Blair McLaughlan (@mr_omnibus) May 10, 2021
For one season only, aye right! As if they’re going to reach the end of the season and go “cheers lads, that was fun, cheerio”
I can appreciate the possible financial benefit but at what “cost” to the integrity of the game.
— Ross Wishart (@RossWishart) May 11, 2021
After all the crying and moaning about the Brechin situation you go and do this? Denying teams below the LL the chance to be promoted……..the hypocrisy is unreal
— Andy (@WildRover1882) May 10, 2021
Absolutely terrible decision!! I know I am against it and I support Bonnyrigg Rose. I dont see any good coming from this. What happens if one of the colts wins the league? Does the next existing LL play in the play offs? Typical SPFL. This should have halted by them!!
— Neil Bowman (@feelyneily) May 10, 2021
Pathetic. https://t.co/DSeNFacyv7
— Ritchie (@Ritchieknows) May 11, 2021
Appalling decision, no time whatsoever for this horrendous idea.
An embarrassing day for the Scottish Pyramid system as well for a few thousand quid each way.
I truly feel for supporters of @BonnyriggRose who largely voted against the decision and respect them for doing so. 👍🏻 https://t.co/gVTCnEB6RN
— Ben McNicol (@ben_hafc18) May 10, 2021
To the clubs that voted on this, shame on you https://t.co/VB41HxJ2uS
— Alasdair (@UA_Macrae) May 10, 2021
This should never have happened without massive changes and guarantees to the leagues promotion and relegation. All they have done it for is a paltry sum of cash. There should be no 2nd year without structure change https://t.co/wAwk7lLZ4h
— Sandy McKie 🏴 (@sanny1870) May 11, 2021