The Scottish Professional Football League and Scottish Premiership side Celtic "tried to dissuade the introduction of new laws that would give Scottish football fans a greater say in the running of their clubs," according to the SCOTSMAN. The Parkhead club published a response to the Scottish Government as it "attempted to block new proposals over fan involvement." The SPFL initially asked for its own views to be kept secret but they were revealed after Celtic said it was "in conjunction" with the league. The Scottish Government backed the Community Empowerment Bill, which gave fans "the right to buy, the right to bid and right to be involved in the running of clubs." Celtic submitted a seven-page response where it stated that the matter was for "the clubs and football authorities," while also claiming the right to bid "would not produce any benefit" (SCOTSMAN, 3/31). The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported supporters "are outraged" by the SPFL and Celtic’s stance as they accused the Hampden hierarchy of "shutting the door on new ideas" and called for it to lift the "veil of secrecy." The talks, launched by the Scottish Government last September, "come after several years of turmoil in Scotland over ownership." Celtic Trust Chair Joe Di Paola said that he was "disappointed" with his club and demanded the SPFL publish its views. He said, "What have they got to hide? What is their problem? It's a public consultation. If they are sure they have the best views on it, they should tell the world" (DAILY RECORD, 3/31).
