Partick Thistle insist Dundee's 'no vote' must stand

Partick Thistle says the SPFL’s resolution over ending the season must be shelved after seeking legal advice.

Thistle employed a QC to look at the process, which sees Dundee considering their casting vote after withdrawing their ‘no vote’ before it arrived with the SPFL after it was claimed there was a technical hitch.

The Jags, who stand to be relegated from the Ladbrokes Championship if Dundee change their mind, stated the legal opinion argued the SPFL board’s information might be considered a breach of duty.

“The original vote by Dundee FC was cast in line with the SPFL’s own rules and must stand, meaning that the resolution falls,” the club said in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, adding that the club “is dismayed that Scottish football remains in limbo”.

Partick Thistle have obtained a Joint Opinion from Senior and Junior Counsel to identify what can be done to remedy this situation. The QC’s legal Opinion can be viewed here.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dundee broke their silence over their position on the SPFL resolution – but are not ready to cast their vote.

A club statement read: “Over the past few days, we have entered into various positive discussions with reconstruction at the forefront of these.

“Given our discussions and considering all aspects, we don’t feel we are in a position to comment further on the resolution that was put forward.”

The SPFL spoke with all 42 clubs last Wednesday and put forward a plan that would see the Championship, League 1 and League 2 ended now. The plan – if backed by top-flight clubs – would also see the Premiership being called, subject to UEFA approval.

39 out of 42 clubs submitted their vote ahead of the requested time of 5pm on Friday, though legally they have 28 days to cast.

The vote required 75% of Premiership clubs to be in favour, 75% of the Championship sides, and 75% of League 1 and 2 combined.

The SPFL confirmed the proposal has been carried in three leagues but that one Championship side, Dundee, still has a decisive move to make amid ongoing confusion over the status of the Dens Park club’s ballot.

League One leaders Raith Rovers have called for swift action to terminate the season as Dundee continue to ponder their casting vote.

A statement from the Kirkcaldy side read: “We have, from the very start of this process, supported the idea of league reconstruction and have made this clear in all our communications.

“The SPFL documentation received by all clubs on Wednesday 8th April made it clear that declaring the season ended was the only way to achieve distribution of funds and to then proceed to the next stage.

“Several clubs wanted a guarantee that reconstruction would happen – this could not be given as it is not within the gift of the SPFL.

“Any decision on reconstruction requires a vote by all 42 member clubs. We were clear that this had to happen as soon as possible after the first vote.”

Rovers would back an extended Premiership of 14 teams with Highland League champions Brora and newly-crowned Lowland League title winners Kelty Hearts joining League Two.