Scottish Football: Celtic in 'phone tap'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FERGUS McCANN, the Celtic chairman, is considering starting criminal proceedings against his Kilmarnock counterpart, Bob Fleeting, over a telephone conversation Fleeting allegedly recorded in America. The threat of legal action is the latest development in the dispute between the two clubs over the recruitment of Tommy Burns as the manager of Celtic.
McCann has already placed the prospect of a record pounds 100,000 Scottish League fine for hiring Burns in the hands of his lawyers. Celtic may become embroiled in further legal action over the club's recruitment of Burns's predecessor, Lou Macari. Stoke City are claiming they have not been paid compensation for Macari's departure a year ago. Macari, who has since returned to the Victoria Ground, has started legal action against the Parkhead club, claiming pounds 431,000 for damages for 'wrongful dismissal'.
The alleged incident involving the Fleeting telephone call came when the Kilmarnock chairman was on holiday in Florida and McCann requested permission to approach Burns. McCann said a transcript of the call was used in evidence when the Scottish League management committee imposed the fine.
'The evidence involved Mr Fleeting taping a telephone conversation. We believe this constituted entrapment,' McCann said. 'If someone tapes my conversation without my consent I think it is a very serious matter. I reported it to the police.'
Fleeting said last night: 'What tape is he talking about? I know of no tape. I find it abhorrent.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments