Falkirk chairman Gary Deans tonight slammed Ladbrokes Premiership clubs for scuppering league reconstruction hopes - and called for change at the top of Scottish football.

The League One club, who were one point behind leaders Raith Rovers when football was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis in March, had hoped to secure promotion to the Championship.

Deans described the top flight clubs - six of whom indicated they would oppose a move to alter the 12-10-10-10 set-up - as a "cabal" and accused them of "short-sightedness and self-preservation".

He insisted it was indicative of the "general mismanagement that has occurred at the top of Scottish football for many years" and vowed to lobby for "necessary change".

Deans said: “Today’s announcement will not come as a huge surprise to Falkirk supporters who have, along with the rest of Scottish football, witnessed firsthand the utter shambles engulfing our game these last few weeks.

"As you know I have been working with the SPFL reconstruction group over recent weeks and I received a call late this afternoon informing me that six Premier League clubs had indicated they would not support any league reconstruction at the present time.

"As a club we embarked upon this process with eyes wide open and tempered optimism, hoping that the SPFL and other clubs might see the bigger picture and act in the best interests of Scottish football.

"In fairness, some did see that bigger picture and approached talks in a constructive manner, but once again progress has been hampered by the short-sightedness and self-preservation of a small cabal within Scotland’s top division.

"You will share my anger at this latest injustice, the failed promises and the general mismanagement that has occurred at the top of Scottish football for many years."

Deans continued: "The handling of this entire situation has been farcical ranging from the decisions made by the SPFL board to those clubs who have, what could only be charitably described as, misled and deceived.

"The principle of ‘do no harm’ to Scottish football during the pandemic was thrown out of the window a long time ago and the decision taken today will cause harm to many clubs – Falkirk included.

"To add insult to injury to release a statement on a Friday evening adding to the stress of players, staff and the many people connected with football clubs is a sign of the blatant contempt that those in charge of our game hold for us all.

"I have already embarked upon discussions with other clubs who share my anger and we will be considering the next steps to take over the weekend.

"I will keep you informed as matters progress, but for now the club has made it clear that we cannot support this unfair decision taken by six clubs and supported by those at the SPFL. Change is required.

"As a club we must do what we’ve always done, let our performances on the pitch do the talking, and with your support press on through the leagues and take our place in the top division where we can continue to lobby for the necessary change required in Scottish football.”