The Scottish Lowland League have given Celtic and Hearts B teams the green light to continue playing in the division for at least the next two seasons.

The Hoops and Jambos are currently the only two Premiership clubs who field their colts in the fifth tier, with Rangers pulling out last year after two seasons. A vote was held at last night’s AGM to decide whether they should be allowed to re-enter the league again for forthcoming campaigns.

Eight clubs backed the controversial move, with seven voting against it and one club abstaining – meaning the two sides WILL feature in the league over the next two seasons, but can’t be promoted. The divisive outcome prompted a strong-worded statement from Albion Rovers who are one of the seven clubs unhappy with the arrangement.

A statement said: “This was a chance for the Lowland League to regain its sporting integrity within the pyramid, ensuring the fifth tier next year and beyond would be made up of clubs who have earned their places on merit and are all competing on a similar field and for the same purpose – to win promotion to the SPFL.

“Instead we and our fellow member clubs are now once again at odds with the majority of our supporters who have no or little interest in watching their club play competitive fixtures against B teams.”

It continued: “If the question of promotion to the SPFL from tier five comes up again, how can the Lowland League be taken seriously when it complains about the lack of sufficient and fair trapdoor when we haven’t put sporting integrity first ourselves?”

A league statement read: “The Scottish Lowland Football League can confirm that the majority of our members have voted in favour of continuing with B Teams for at least the next two seasons.

“Following a process which began in October, a democratic vote was held in line with our rules at a General Meeting tonight. The board would like to thank all our members for their contributions to the discussions in recent weeks.”

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