Hearts and Partick Thistle have accused Neil Doncaster and the SPFL of providing the 42 member clubs with 'misleading and 'wrong' information regarding their upcoming court case.

The two clubs are embroiled in a legal battle with Scottish football's governing body in a challenge to their respective relegations due to the fact that the season was ended prematurely over the coronavirus pandemic. They are also challenging the promotions of Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers.

The letter, as seen by Herald and Times Sport, addresses 'a number of clubs' who have asked the SPFL to show details of the petition and suggests these clubs must first go through the courts to become a respondent in the action before being allowed access to documents.

In a joint statement, Hearts and Thistle also criticised the timing of the letter given that their hearing is due to take place via video conference on July 1 at 11am. It read: "Along with the other 40 SPFL clubs, Hearts and Partick Thistle have received a letter, signed by Neil Doncaster, that relates to the forthcoming court case.

"It is wrong and much of its content is misleading and the timing itself questionable. We are currently awaiting legal advice on what needs to happen next."

We told previously how Hearts were seeking up to £8million in compensation following their relegation while Thistle were looking for £2million to keep up with running costs lost through their drop.

The SPFL declined to comment when approached by Herald and Times Sport as the dispute rumbles on.

Meanwhile, SPFL secretary Iain Blair claims next season will not end with the usual Scottish Cup final showpiece due to Euro 2020's delay. The big Hampden Park clash is Scottish football's usual season finale but will now be brought forward to accommodate the issues raised by the coronavirus pandemic.

He told BBC Sportsound: "In terms of the end of the season and the Euros, the Euros are going to start on June 11. We'll be finished long before then. Our football normally finishes in the second last week of May - it'll be one week earlier in season 2020/21.

"We'll be finished by the middle of May. That's to allow for the play offs after the end of the season and that's to allow for the Europa League and Champions League Finals, then you're into the June international break.

"So, the Scottish Cup Final - and this I do know, despite the stuff going on - will be on the weekend of May 8. We will have to fixture rounds after that. The Scottish Cup Final will not be the final fixture of the season."