GOVERNMENT SILENT AGAIN ON RESTART
weekend despite being informed the government would deliver a decision before yesterday morning.
A third deadline then passed yesterday afternoon, prompting SFA president Rod Petrie to release a statement in which he publicly called for clarity from the politicians as to when the suspension of football – across all levels below the Premiership and Championship – will be lifted.
And, with frustrations nearing boiling point, football’s top brass suspect that the urgent needs of the national game are being ignored while the FM focuses on fighting for her political life after Salmond accused her of misleading parliament and breaking the ministerial code.
Sturgeon will appear in person at the Harassment Inquiry tomorrow and was not present to field questions at yesterday’s daily Covid briefing.
And a senior Hampden source told Record Sport: “It does seem as if the FM has other things on her mind right now and while some might say that’s understandable, football is being shoved to the back of the queue once again and the levels of frustration are now through the roof.
“Not to get an answer on Friday was bad enough. Not to receive anything from government over the weekend was even more infuriating.
“We were advised a decision would then come on Monday – and that hasn’t happened – so to be kept in the dark once again feels a bit like a red rag to a bull.
“Given that the FM looks like having a busy day on Wednesday the national game can only live in hope that she might get around to letting us know where football stands at some point in the next 24 hours.
“Football has been placed on pause for almost two months now. It is absolutely crying out for clarity but it’s being continually ignored.”
All 20 League One and Two clubs insist they can complete an already truncated 27-game season so long as the government gives a green light to returning to training.
They have also pledged to stump up for twiceweekly coronavirus testing to keep players safe.
The Highland and Lowland Leagues are in limbo along with the Women’s Football Premier Leagues One and Two.
After being stonewalled again yesterday, SFA president Petrie said: “We are grateful to all leagues, clubs and participants affected for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty.
“They have played their part in keeping the nation safe and restricting the potential spread of the virus.
“I would also like to thank the representatives from those leagues and clubs, who have been proactive and collaborative in giving their input into safe and sustainable plans for a return to competition.
“These plans have already been discussed with government officials.
“We look forward to hearing when and in what circumstances those leagues which have been suspended can return to training and, ultimately, to playing.”
Last night a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We understand the important role football plays in Scottish life and are keen to see those in the lower leagues and the women’s game return to the pitch once it is safe for them to do so.
“We will be making a further announcement on this very shortly.”