Brora Rangers drop legal action as HFL threaten to cancel cup
Brora Rangers FC have reconsidered their decision to take legal action against the Highland Football League (HFL) following their expulsion from the Highland League Cup.
In a statement this morning, the club states that the HFL threatened to cancel this year’s cup competition entirely this year if Brora went ahead with legal action.
They say it was never their intention that the competition be pulled and they have therefore reluctantly decided “to move on”.
Brora were expelled from the cup for fielding an ineligible player (Liam Watt) in the final minutes of the tie against Clachnacuddin FC, when they were already 3-0 ahead.
They say this morning: “The sanction was completely out of step with other instances and Brora were very disappointed with the decision taken and the procedure adopted in taking it. The fact that the Highland League stated that they referred to the Scottish Cup rules in order to attempt to get around deficiencies with their own rules is particularly disappointing.”
The club obtained expert legal advice on the decision taken and whether the Highland League followed their own procedures in doing so. The club had been advised that there was a remedy of a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session that had good prospects and that an interim interdict could be sought to postpone the next round tie.
Preparations were being made at the weekend to progress that legal route.
A spokes person continued: “The Highland League, however, indicated that such action may have the outcome of having the cup competition cancelled entirely this year. That was never the intention of Brora.
“Given this threat, Brora has decided with reluctance to leave the issue of the unreasonable expulsion from the cup to the side and move on.
“Brora are pleased to note that there is a process underway to review the rules and that is welcomed. Brora wish to work together with the League committee in that regard.
“Brora are currently top of the Highland League and want to focus on football and the league is the priority.”
Chairman John Young said: “ Whilst there is no question that we have suffered a miscarriage of justice which we were prepared to pursue through the Court of Session, it was never our intention to compromise the competition and it is particularly disappointing to see this raised by HFL as a likely outcome.
“Responsible consideration must be demonstrated to sponsors Breedon Aggregates. We are however pleased that rules and regulations are under review. We plan to fully participate in the process to ensure that rules and governance are reviewed and fit for purpose.”
