Covid-19 contingency plan poll for all 42 SPFL clubs after Motherwell FC endure two straight call-offs on matchday

In the wake of Motherwell having their last two Scottish Premiership fixtures called off on matchday, Scottish clubs are set to be quizzed on their views on potential contingency plans in case of another season being cut short by coronavirus.
By Craig Goldthorp
Published 20th Oct 2020, 16:13 BST
Updated 20th Oct 2020, 16:16 BST
Motherwell and St Mirren’s last meeting remains this thrilling 4-4 Scottish Cup draw at Fir Park back in February (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Motherwell and St Mirren’s last meeting remains this thrilling 4-4 Scottish Cup draw at Fir Park back in February (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Motherwell and St Mirren’s last meeting remains this thrilling 4-4 Scottish Cup draw at Fir Park back in February (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

The announcement – following a general meeting of all 42 SPFL members on Monday – comes after the Steelmen were idle due to Covid-19 cases at Kilmarnock and St Mirren leading to the postponement of their scheduled away league games on October 2 and last Saturday respectively.

Clubs will now be asked to assist football authorities in deciding what should happen if coronavirus means that the 2020-21 campaign cannot be played to a conclusion.

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The SPFL board have also discussed plans to issue mandatory 3-0 defeats to clubs unable to take to the field as a result of the pandemic.

However, only if there is a consensus of similar opinion is it likely a formal ballot will take place.

The postponement of Saturday’s game in Paisley provoked a strong reaction from disgruntled Motherwell fans on social media.

@Marcmfc posted on Twitter: “If this is still happening at Premiership levels by Christmas, then the leagues should all be void with no relegation or promotion.

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“How can any team catch up with games? That’s us two games behind already.”

Derek Moore wrote: “They need to award us the points.

“It’s not our fault they can’t play the game.”

“That’s an absolute disgrace,” said Peter Elder.

David Bryson wrote: “At such short notice, the win should be ours.

“Teams are just taking the easy way out now. The opposition should be awarded the win, then I’m sure teams will be getting players on the park. It should have been set before we started the season. It’s a shambles.”

And Ricky Mullen posted: “We should get the points for this. No offence, St Mirren, but that’s farcical.”

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Motherwell will be hoping to get their Scottish Premiership campaign up and running again in a home encounter against Ross County at Fir Park this Saturday, kicking off at 3pm.

The Steelmen – defeated 1-0 by County in Dingwall on the opening day of the season – could do with the three points as they are currently 10th in the standings with eight points from their opening nine league fixtures.

Related topics:Scottish PremiershipSPFLSt MirrenKilmarnock