Some Scottish Premier League clubs could be forced out of business if Setanta goes into administration, according to a former club chairman. Labour peer Lord Foulkes, ex-chairman of Hearts, believes the situation is very serious.

He said: "I think it puts the future of one or two SPL clubs in jeopardy. They are already struggling financially and this on top of it could be the tipping point.

"In some clubs it represents up to 20 per cent of their income and the loss of it would be really catastrophic."