The events of the last week, including this latest news about gambling advertising, have finally convinced me that the only way the dreadful Glasgow duopoly will be ended is in the High Court.
Does anyone believe that gambling advertising would have continued to be allowed if the Old Firm had decided it would not?
The SPFL dare not defy the wishes of the duopoly to continue to receive their blood money.
The Old Firm ALWAYS get their way, unless the courts intervene.
Does anyone believe that Aberdeen, Hearts or Hibs would have been allowed to continue with gambling advertising if the Old Firm had wanted to discontinue the practice?
Does anyone believe Aberdeen, Hearts or Hibs would have been allowed to sign up with competitors of Cinch, in defiance of an SPFL sponsorship?
Since 1980, when the Old Firm pushed through a new rule where home clubs kept 100% of the ticket receipts – which increased the revenue of the duopoly instantly by around 75% – the Old Firm have completely controlled Scottish football.
Once Sir Alex Ferguson left Aberdeen 5 years later, competition was extinguished completely, by the new found wealth of the two clubs.
Everything that has been done since has been to suit them.
For 37 seasons, only two names have appeared on the roll of dishonour, on which is recorded the names of clubs which have won the Scottish Premiership.
An entirely unique situation in European football, which the Also Rans in the Scottish Premiership cannot muster the strength to change.
Make no mistake, the Also Rans have let down their own supports – and the rest of Scottish football – by tolerating the intolerable.
It will take the intervention of the courts to destroy the illegal duopoly – a duopoly is inevitably illegal if it operates against the Public Interest – but let’s leave it until we have reached the 40th anniversary of no other club winning the league, before knocking the Glasgow twins off their perches in the High Court in Edinburgh.
For some people, 1985/86 season has poignant memories.
Season 2025/26 will be the last where two clubs are allowed to look down on the rest of Scottish football with complete and utter contempt.
Whatever it takes.
The Time for Change to start?
2025/26.
There will be no perches available in Glasgow by 2026/27.
The Old Firm?
RIP.
This will be the last post on this site for sometime, unless one of the Also Rans – ANY one of them – can muster some kind of challenge to the Old Firm on the pitch.
FRANKLY, I NO LONGER BELIEVE THAT CAN HAPPEN.
But at least I can look forward to Scottish football getting it’s day in court…
Scottish Football Matters 