SPFL: Don’t blame us for Covid chaos

McPake slammed Hampden chiefs for forcing his side to face Aberdeen on Sunday with a depleted squad.

Jim Goodwin was raging when St Mirren’s request to KO their clash with Celtic last week was kicked out.

But the SPFL say all clubs agreed to the rules where games must go ahead if a minimum of 13 players are fit and available. At least one must be a keeper and at least 11 outfield players with 10 aged 18 or over.

In a statement, Beattie said: “It is an essential cornerstone of the game that scheduled fixtures must be played when teams fulfil the necessary criteria. Failure to do so would undermine the integrity of the league, threaten completion of the season and would certainly cause far more problems than it would solve.

“Already this season we have seen many clubs complete fixtures with large numbers of players unavailable and we are grateful for the understanding and flexibility of those clubs, players and fans as they adapt to the challenges of Covid.

“If we are to complete the season as scheduled, clubs playing when their playing resources are stretched is, very regrettably, going to be a necessity.

“The new SPFL board policy for postponing games due to Covid was introduced at the start of the season. Before finalising the new policy, we consulted with and listened to clubs carefully and incorporated specific elements, such as the requirement to have a minimum of 10 players aged 18 or over before matches could proceed.

“The SPFL has repeatedly demonstrated that we will postpone matches when the criteria is met, with 10 league matches this season postponed already.

“Those calling for the policy to be changed midway through the season may not have considered the wider implications.

“Failure to administer the policy consistently could lead to clubs choosing not to fulfil specific fixtures, with massive implications for sporting fairness, increase pressure on other clubs and threaten the ability to complete the season.”

Sunday’s Ayrshire derby between Kilmarnock and Ayr has been called off after a request from both clubs as restrictions would have limited it to 500 spectators.

It will now go ahead on Wednesday, February 9.