SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster believes the Premier League are in a "very uncomfortable position" as they look to sanction Manchester City. His comments come amid comparisons to Rangers in 2012, when the Light Blues were banished to the very bottom of the SPFL.
There have been calls to give City, who won two league titles during the nine-year period for which they are on the dock, the same treatment. The 10-time English champions faced 114 charges from the Premier League and were found guilty of 113 of them. They have stated they will appeal the decision, but if unsuccessful it is anticipated they will likely face one of the most severe punishments ever handed out in English football.
Doncaster on the league's balancing act
Speaking about the contrast between the two clubs' circumstances on the Price of Football podcast, Doncaster - who served as SPFL CEO in 2012, having held the same position beforehand at the SPL - said: "It is worth reflecting that when you are running a league you have got a very difficult balancing act.
"On the one hand you are there to run a fair and efficient competition. On the other hand you are there to drive as much commercial revenue as you can for the benefit of your member clubs through that competition.
"At the same time when there are alleged rule breaches you also have to take on a regulatory role and that can be very uncomfortable.
"When you are dealing with members of your organisation on a daily basis trying to grow the pot but then when you have to put on a disciplinarian's hat that is very uncomfortable.
'No winners here, only losers'
"We are in the human being industry here and working with folk through a very difficult, very highly emotive, highly charged and hugely consequential dispute, that's not easy for anyone.
"My sympathy goes to anyone who is involved in this case. I don't think there are any winners here, only losers, it's a horrible situation for the industry to deal with. It affects so many clubs and it will run and run."
The SPFL supremo also insisted that he believes clashes between Rangers and Celtic "needs" away fans - and plans to work with clubs on the return of visiting punters to secure the move "soon".
Away fans return hopes
League bosses stepped in amid discussions between the Glasgow giants in the wake of ugly scenes at Ibrox after the Hoops' Scottish Cup quarter-final win back in March - with a pitch invasion following the penalty shoot-out.
Celtic knocked back Rangers' offer of 300 tickets at Ibrox for the first derby of the new campaign - with the matter being referred to the SPFL. An agreement was then reached to lockout away fans this term.
But Doncaster hopes this is not a long-term measure, adding: "We got to a place where we agreed that there would be no away fans at SPFL matches involving Celtic and Rangers this season.
"That followed the disorder that we saw at the Scottish Cup game in March.
"We believe very strongly that the game needs away fans and we're looking to work with the clubs to get back to a situation as soon as is possible of having away fans back at back at these games."
