Coronavirus: SPFL fixtures postponed due to coronavirus outbreak
Friday 13 March 2020 12:17, UK
The Scottish FA and SPFL have postponed all domestic professional and grassroots fixtures in Scotland "until further notice".
On Friday, the Scottish FA board announced it had made the decision "in the interests of the health and safety of players, match officials, staff, supporters and the general public".
- UK government considering sporting events ban
- Three Leicester players show symptoms
- Real Madrid quarantined / La Liga suspended
Friday night's Motherwell vs Aberdeen game on Friday is the first to fall, as well as the Scottish Championship fixture between Queen of the South and Ayr United. This weekend's fixtures and those from next midweek have all been confirmed as postponed.
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, the chief executive of the Scottish Premiership, added: "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."
Coronavirus - key sporting developments
- The Premier League and EFL have suspended all fixtures until April 3
- Football has been postponed around Europe and beyond in response to the coronavirus outbreak
- The Players Championship has been cancelled and next three PGA events called off
- England's test series in Sri Lanka has been postponed
- UEFA postpones Champions League and Europa League
- The IPL start has been delayed indefinitely
- Wales vs Scotland in the Six Nations is due to go ahead
