SPFL set to discipline East Fife for Covid call-off

THE SPFL have launched disciplinary action against East Fife after Darren Young’s team refused to play Clyde on Tuesday night.

The League One fixture at Broadwood was called off at the last minute after one of the home side’s players returned a positive test for Covid.

The Bully Wee released a statement later that evening explaining that following a review conducted by the Joint Response Group (JRG), the match had been given the all-clear to proceed.

However, East Fife refused to fulfil the fixture - with manager Darren Young claiming that the health and well-being of his players and staff was at risk, given that the unnamed Clyde player who tested positive had mingled with other members of his squad.

Posting on Twitter, Young argued that it was “scandalous” that his players were put in a position where their health could be compromised.

“I find it a bit scandalous that all through the past year-and-a-bit, where safety and wellbeing of the players/ staff etc is paramount, we were put in a position and asked if we wanted to or were willing to take that risk … !!!,” he wrote.

“We have adhered to all the rules and regulations throughout this period like everybody else and unfortunately now this is the second time it’s happened to us against Clyde this season.

“I 100 per cent will always back my players, especially when it comes to a situation where their health and wellbeing are put on the line.”

The SPFL then released a statement yesterday afternoon where the governing body announced that they have launched disciplinary proceedings against East Fife.

It read: “Following the call-off of the SPFL League 1 fixture between Clyde and East Fife last night, the SPFL has today (28 April) announced that disciplinary proceedings have commenced against East Fife for failing to fulfil the fixture.”