St Mirren’s money-spinning clash with Celtic has been dramatically axed as covid chaos rained down on the embattled club.
They’d hoped to limp into tomorrow night's match in Paisley and bank an estimated £55,000 windfall from 4,000 Celtic fans.
Crucially it would have beaten the Scottish Government crowd limit clampdown.
But it became clear this afternoon after two press conferences were postponed that the situation had become hopeless.
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The Saints will also not be able to field a side against Rangers at Ibrox on Boxing Day, crowning an Old Firm virus misery.
Covid had ravaged the Paisley ranks so much that only ten outfield players were available.
Today sources say that situation had become much worse.
A dozen of the first team squad are in self isolation.
And by 5pm the St Mirren board threw in the towel.
A statement said: “St Mirren Football Club can confirm that it has requested postponements of our upcoming cinch Premiership matches against Celtic and Rangers following further positive covid tests.
“We have tried our utmost to fulfil the fixture, however, following further positive covid cases this morning we are unable to field a team for either match with a significant number of first-team players and staff unavailable.
“The health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains our utmost priority and we will continue to take every precaution necessary.
“We are in continued discussions with the SPFL and we will keep supporters updated as we look for a resolution to this matter.”
Just 24 hours earlier manager Jim Goodwin was still committed to the glamour tie and the Board were said to be supportive of it taking place.
Three of St Mirren’s available personnel were goalkeepers and it would have forced Goodwin to field a number of kids against Ange Postecoglou’s on-form Hoops.
Training at Ralston was abandoned and the Buddies manager has been given special dispensation to recall four youngsters who are currently on loan with Lowland League teams.
Just five of the squad would be out of isolation before the Ibrox match.
A club source said: “We have had more than our fair share of Covid outbreaks in the past year . . . but this one has really demolished the team.
“It is a huge blow to all at St Mirren and the fans.”
