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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Chris Doyle

Rangers vs Celtic suspended as SPFL and SFA make lockdown U-turn

Rangers vs Celtic has been suspended as the SPFL and SFA locked down Scottish football due to the coronavirus.

The governing bodies confirmed on Thursday night they would allow this weekend's games to go ahead in Scotland, including the Old Firm derby.

But they have now overturned that decision and all domestic matches this weekend and midweek have been cancelled until further notice.

The statement read: "The Joint Response Group can confirm the decision of the Scottish FA Board to suspend ALL domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA until further notice.

"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.

(SNS Group)

"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."

Celtic added in a statement: "The Scottish football authorities have announced a further update in their approach to addressing the implications of the Coronavirus outbreak.

"The joint response group can confirm the decision of the Scottish FA board to suspend all domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA until further notice.

"As a result, the SPFL has announced the postponement of this weekend’s and the following midweek’s fixtures, which includes Celtic’s match against Rangers at Ibrox, which was scheduled for this Sunday.

"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."

Rangers' return leg against Bayer Leverkusen has also been postponed as UEFA called off all Europa League and Champions League matches next week.

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