ATHLETIC have received an apology following an incorrect report that they had voted against SPFL league reconstruction.

Clubs had been asked to submit an indicative vote on proposals for a 14-10-10-10 structure for next season - which would have included the promotion of Lowland League winners, Kelty Hearts - by Monday morning.

Ahead of the ballot, Press Sport understood that the Pars were in favour of the fresh structure, which would have prevented the relegation of Heart of Midlothian, Partick Thistle and Stranraer, and promote teams placed second in their respective divisions, as well as Kelty, and Highland League champions Brora Rangers, into League Two.

However, following the vote, BBC Scotland's Kheredine Idessane suggested that Dunfermline had voted against the proposal, which prompted chairman, Ross McArthur, to release a statement - which was later followed by an apology.

McArthur told the club's website: "Once again, it is very disappointing that our club appears to have been conveniently targeted by those who wish to spread misinformation on social media. This has subsequently resulted in a number of things happening today which are extremely regrettable.

"The DAFC Board were unanimous in voting in favour of both of the recent resolutions relating to reconstruction. We stated that we would support Ann Budge’s plan to increase the Premiership to 14 clubs, but the idea of having a 14-10-10-10 split would also allow the pyramid to be maintained, to allow our friends at Kelty Hearts, along with Brora Rangers to join the SPFL.

"It was our view that this would provide the most equitable resolution to the issue of promotion and relegation, in the best interests of Scottish football. We were very surprised by the lack of support on Monday, but have to accept it is a members decision.

"Despite what others might be trying to suggest, I have tried to be as supportive as I could be towards Ann, in a very challenging situation, and respectful of Heart of Midlothian as a football club."

In response, Idesanne said he was "very sorry to Dunfermline as a club, and their chairman in particular, for any inconvenience (or worse) my mistake has caused them".

He also wrote: "A fulsome apology to @officialdafc, and their chairman Ross McArthur. I made a big mistake when I said they voted ‘against’ reconstruction in the indicative vote. They were in fact one of 5 Championship clubs, (@JamTarts, @ICTFC, @Morton_FC, @ArbroathFC) who were in favour."

Ahead of the vote, McArthur told the Press: "From the club's perspective, it's a bigger Premier Division.

"It increases our chances of getting back to the Premier Division and staying in the Premier Division and also, morally, I think it's the correct thing to do in making sure all the clubs are in enviornments more suited to their size, because we all need to protect each other over the course of the next year.

"There's Stranraer as well who wouldn't get relegated and, I've said all along, we can't play play-offs but this way would allow Kelty Hearts, who we've got a good relationship with, and Brora Rangers to come up, which is important as well."

Meanwile, the club have, this morning, put season tickets for the 2020/21 campaign on sale.

A 27-game Championship, beginning in October, has been agreed and means the Pars will have 13 or 14 games at home.

In the event of any games being played behind closed doors, season ticket holders will have access to live streams of matches; priority access for fixture with a socially distanced attendance; and will have Betfred Cup group stage matches included.

McArthur said: "I am acutely aware of the many financial challenges individual families may have at this time, and I am hugely respectful of this fact and appreciative of the donations we have received to date, which continue to make me feel very humbled.

"However, I would not be doing my job as club chairman if I did not issue a rallying call to our fans to support our club in terms of planning for next season.

"We need your further support more than ever as all football clubs face significant challenges in the coming season."

For further details, visit the club website.