Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

BREAKING: SFA and SPFL announce ALL GAMES called off amid coronavirus fears

Every game in Lanarkshire has been called off following coronavirus concerns.

The games across the country were set to be kick-started by the crucial game between Motherwell and Aberdeen at Fir Park tonight.

Last night, the joint response group has stated that games would go ahead as planned.

However, this morning in an updated statement, read: "As a result, the SPFL has announced the postponement of this weekend’s and following midweek’s fixtures, starting with tonight’s Premiership match between Motherwell and Aberdeen and the Championship match between Queen of the South and Ayr United.


 
"The Scottish FA and SPFL will continue to liaise with governments and UEFA in relation to domestic, European and International fixtures in the coming days and more information will be communicated at the appropriate time.

"The Scottish FA Board made its decision in the interests of the health and safety of players, match officials, staff, supporters and the general public."

(SNS Group)

Motherwell CEO Alan Burrows tweeted his support for the call.

He said: "As you can imagine, this situation is moving at a face pace and changing all the time.

"We are very much in unchartered waters. I / the club will continue to keep you as up to date as possible when we get confirmation of anything meaningful. In the meantime, take good care."

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “Since the guidance outlined by governments last night we have been engaged in extensive dialogue to clarify the position and implications of that guidance for Scottish football.

“Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is also why the Scottish FA is compelled to ensure that the suspension is cascaded through the non-professional and grassroots games until further notice.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “As everyone knows, this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the entire country.

“We have been in intensive and detailed discussions since last night and have also been taking on board the experience of our counterparts in England and across Europe. As a result, the board of the SPFL has agreed this morning that all league fixtures this weekend and next midweek will be postponed until further notice.

“The health and safety of fans, players and officials is absolutely paramount. We have not yet had any confirmed cases of Coronavirus amongst players in Scotland, but, given the nature of this outbreak, it seems only a matter of time.

“We realise that many people will be bitterly disappointed, and we would obviously prefer to be in a position where we can continue as normal, but that’s neither realistic nor possible.”

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport , like us on  Facebook or find us on  Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.