David Gray Submits Official Petition to SPFL Accusing Celtic, Demands Urgent Reforms Ahead of Weekend Clash
Hibernian FC manager David Gray has sent shockwaves through Scottish football after officially submitting a formal petition to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), just days before Hibs’ crucial weekend clash with league leaders Celtic FC. The petition, signed and authored by Gray himself, accuses Celtic of repeated rule-bending and calls for immediate intervention by the SPFL to protect the competitive integrity of the league.
In the strongly worded document, Gray outlines what he describes as “a concerning pattern of favorable treatment” toward Celtic over the course of the season. The Hibernian manager specifically highlights incidents related to officiating, VAR usage, and disciplinary decisions that have allegedly benefitted the Glasgow side, while clubs like Hibernian face inconsistencies and harsh penalties for similar situations.
“We are not asking for favors we are demanding fairness,” Gray writes in the petition. “Every team in this league should compete on level ground, not under the shadow of preferential treatment.”
The letter, delivered to the SPFL headquarters in Glasgow on Thursday morning, includes a detailed breakdown of recent decisions made in Celtic matches that Hibs claims lacked consistency and fairness. Gray also calls for four key reforms to be implemented before this weekend’s match:
- Neutral Referee Appointments: Hibernian demands that match officials for top-tier matches especially against title contenders be selected from a neutral, non-repetitive pool to avoid perceived bias.
- Full VAR Audio Transparency: The club is calling for the release of VAR audio for all critical decisions involving penalty calls, red cards, and offside rulings.
- Referee Performance Reports Made Public: Hibernian is urging the SPFL to publish post-match assessments of referees to promote transparency and accountability.
- Consistent Disciplinary Standards: The petition calls for a uniform disciplinary code, including retrospective reviews for unpunished misconduct regardless of the player or club involved.
The move comes as Hibernian prepare to face Celtic in a potentially decisive fixture at Easter Road. The match is expected to impact both the league title race and Hibs’ hopes for European qualification.
A Stand for Integrity
David Gray, in his first full season as permanent manager, has earned widespread respect for restoring discipline and energy to the Hibernian squad. But this bold step signals growing frustration within mid-table and lower-tier clubs over what many perceive as systemic favoritism toward the “Old Firm” a long-standing criticism in Scottish football.
“This is not about rivalry, it’s about respect for the game,” Gray said in a short statement outside the club’s training ground. “We owe it to our players, our fans, and the sport itself to raise our voices when the playing field is no longer level.”
The petition has already stirred a whirlwind of responses. Hibernian fans have flooded social media with support, while many neutral supporters and even rival fans have voiced agreement with the broader message about fairness and transparency.
SPFL Response Pending
As of Thursday evening, the SPFL has not issued an official response. However, a league spokesperson confirmed that the petition has been received and “will be reviewed in accordance with standard procedural guidelines.”
Celtic FC, on the other hand, has remained silent on the matter. The club declined to comment when contacted by several media outlets. Manager Brendan Rodgers is expected to face questions about the petition during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Reactions Across Scottish Football
Former players and pundits have begun weighing in on the development. BBC Scotland analyst and ex-international midfielder Michael Stewart remarked, “This is an unprecedented move in modern SPFL history. David Gray is putting his neck on the line, but he’s not alone in thinking that something needs to change.”
Meanwhile, Celtic supporters have dismissed the claims as “sour grapes,” pointing to their team’s consistent performances as the reason for their dominance rather than any alleged favoritism.
Still, some neutrals believe the petition could be a turning point.
“If nothing else, it’s forcing the league to acknowledge growing unrest among the clubs outside of the Old Firm,” said football journalist Alison McConnell. “Hibs may be the first to go public, but they likely won’t be the last.”
With tensions already high ahead of Sunday’s clash, the stakes have now been raised even further. Whether the SPFL takes swift action or simply deflects the criticism remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that David Gray has issued a challenge to the governing body and to the broader structure of Scottish football that will not be easily ignored.
Hibernian vs Celtic kicks off this weekend in what promises to be more than just a football match it’s a test of fairness, transparency, and the soul of the Scottish game.
