Null and Void – ‘Seeing as there is at least a slight chance I might be asked to be involved, I had better not express a public opinion on the matter,’ Nick de Marco QC

TOP SPORTS BARRISTER Nick de Marco, who was hired by Celtic last April to defend against the ludicrous charges levelled against Scott Brown for ‘Failing to act in the best interests of Association Football’, has been engaging with The Celtic Star on social media today on the subject of the consequences of a Null and Void stitch up being decided by the SPFL.

That decision will achieve the main aim outlined in Stewart Robertson, the Rangers Managing Director’s statement earlier this week which is to stop Celtic being declared Champions should the league season be ended early. However it is the disagreeable side effects of Null and Void that is going to occupy the thoughts and considerations of all the club’s who are increasing realising that the cash is drying up.

The SFM Podcast with David Low covers this situation very well and is highly recommended. “Clubs WILL go bust” is Low’s warning.

Nick de Marco was enjoying some classical music from Beethoven when we interrupted him on a pressing SPFL related enquiry.

“Listening to Beethoven’s Cantata on the Death of Emporer Joseph II (on Spotify). A benefit of working from home. I thought I knew Beethoven but only discovered this marvellous work now hashtag working from home.

“I can inform you that what has followed, the Cantata on the Accession of Leopold II, is even better!

“I should explain that my roommate @BlackstoneChbrs (for almost 20 years) who shall remain nameless and in any event does not exist on Twitter, is, in every other way, one of the most wonderful & intelligent humans you could meet but, when it comes to music, a complete philistine.”

Talking of philistines, the flat-earthers on Scottish football want to see the SPFL null and voided to prevent Celtic doing nine-in-a-row. I interrupted Nick’s ambience t ask him if he fancied writing something on the consequences of declaring the leagues Null and Void?

“Trying to actually do a bit of work lol! I did write something general about this in the Times on Monday – did you see it?,” he replied.

My reply: “I didn’t Nick, do you have a link? Looking for confirmation that prize money, ticket & sponsorship money is also null and void if that’s how the league is declared?”

“Here you are…your question will depend on the various contracts in place,” the QC replied.

And this article is well worth a read…

“Thanks Nick,” I replied, “season is effectively ended in Scotland. Null and Void is being proposed for self interest, if successful how can @spfl pay out prize money if they, representing the clubs, say it never happened?

“Can they have their cake and eat it?”

Nick de Marco’s final word on the matter: “I’d have to look at the rules etc., and seeing as there is at least a slight chance I might be asked to be involved, I had better not express a public opinion on the matter. Best, Nick

Cards close to his chest, looks like it will be Peter Lawwell getting the full answer to these questions from the country’s top sports Barrister.

Coming up next on The Celtic Star…Niall J’s take on the events of the past 24 hours. UEFA, the Scottish football response and what next?

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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