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Confusion reigns over the fixtures
Ayr United’s entire season is now in serious jeopardy following the indefinite suspension of all football due to the growing threat of the coronavirus.
Mark Kerr’s side were due to travel down to Palmerston on Friday night for their Ladbrokes Championship match with Queen of the South.
But hours before the fixture the football authorities announced the total shutdown of all football due to the growing threat of the outbreak of the coronavirus around the UK and the world.
As a result last night’s scheduled league fixture away to Arbroath, this coming Friday’s fixture at home to Partick Thistle - and all remaining fixtures for every club - have been shelved.
And it’s anyone’s guess as to when, or if, football will resume.
A statement from the SPFL ( Scottish Professional Football League) 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.
“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.”
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, said: “Since the guidance outlined by governments we have been engaged in extensive dialogue to clarify the position and implications of that guidance for Scottish football.
“Today’s ( Friday’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 grass roots game.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, added: “This is a fastmoving and unprecedented situation for the entire country.
“We have been in intensive and detailed discussions 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 that all league fixtures 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.”