JABBA THE AGNIVORE

 AS CLEARED AS MUD

'That bastard verdict!' That's what Sir Walter Scott called the 'not proven' verdict, one of the vagaries of the Scottish justice system. One wag said that the verdict was analogous to saying, 'Not guilty and don't do it again!' In other words, this strange verdict leaves a stigma of doubt over the accused: he's guilty but there's not enough evidence to prove it conclusively.

The SFA, in its wisdom, has decided to use this verdict in dealing with Charles Green, after his outbursts blaming all and sundry for the demise of Rangers and accusing the Scottish game of bigotry in its dealings with his team. He also called into question the integrity of Lord Nimmo Smith and his panel. Strangely enough, the evidence is all there in black and white; the man can't help himself! Stick a microphone in front of him and he's away! Apparently TV evidence and reams of newspaper coverage is inadmissable in the eyes of the SFA; in this particular case anyway!

So along comes Jabba to tell us all that Green has been 'cleared' of all charges! He goes further and states, 'And as there was insufficient evidence to find Green guilty, questions must now be asked as to the validity of the SPL’s handling of the EBT issue.' What questions? The SPL and the SFA are two separate bodies. It has been known for years that the SFA have always been very backward about coming forward when it comes to dealing with Rangers: not once have they ever done anything about the bigoted and sectarian singing of the fans. The corruption was laid bare for the first time when Jim Farry was exposed as a cheat, followed by the Dougiegate affair and the let-off for everyone associated with Rangers after the 'Shame Game.' It seems that the partiality of the SFA has been 'tuped' to Green's newco!

Traynor again goes on about this 'Five-way agreement' and a draft about stripping Rangers of titles if they can be shown to have used dual contracts. Exactly what his point is is anybody's guess!

Traynor then says that Green is being more conciliatory. Just to prove the point he quotes from Green, 'Perhaps it is time that those people within the SPL who have been pursuing Rangers at every turn take stock.' I don't know about you, but that sounds as if he's blaming everyone again - in fact, bringing the game in Scotland into disrepute!

The final part of the article is a classic punchline! Just to show his new conciliatory mood, Green plans to '...meet with SFA president Campbell Ogilvie in the near future.' Considering Ogilvie should be up before the beak for his involvement in the EBT fiasco then the mind boggles as to what this intended meeting will discuss!

Charles Green in a conciliatory mood