CORONAVIRUS CHAOS
Semi-final axedamid health warnings SPFL chief says closure is necessary
St Johnstone’s supporters’ team, PSJ, has been affected by the football shutdown and their British Cup semi-final tie is now postponed.
The match, against Ayr United, was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 21. All Scottish supporters’ league matches are also off.
PSJ manager Graeme Doig said: “Whilst frustrating on some levels, this is a very sensible decision given the evolving situation around the coronavirus.
“It’s important everyone takes on board the advice given about hygiene from our governing body, local council and the Scottish government.
“We were due to play in the British Cup semi-final this Saturday and hopefully we will get this game rescheduled and will be back playing football sooner rather than later.”
A statement from the Internet Football Association read: “Due to the unprecedented nature of the current crisis with the COVID-19 virus in the UK and beyond, the IFA committee has agreed to suspend the current season in line with national football authorities in England and Scotland provisionally until Saturday, April 4.
“Having received reports of an IFA player currently self-isolating, we are taking this step to ensure of the continued health and wellbeing of all our participants and their families across the country.
“We appreciate your support on this matter and will update all teams in regards to the restart of the season in the coming days and weeks.
“We hope you all remain healthy and look forward to seeing you all back out on the pitches across the UK representing your clubs in the coming weeks.
“We also hope you understand that this is an unprecedented event currently affecting the world and we wish to take the right precautionary steps.”
It is a statement that will go down in history and one that brought Scottish football across all levels to a grinding halt.
The Scottish Professional Football League and the Scottish Football Association cancelled all games until further notice on Friday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The virus has been sweeping across the world and now the sporting community has joined forces in a bid to halt its spread further.
Both the SPFL and SFA say they will continue to liaise with governments and UEFA in relation to domestic, European and international fixtures and more information will be communicated at the appropriate time.
Their statement highlighted the decision was made 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 on Friday:“Since the guidance outlined by governments last night we have been engaged in extensive dialogue to clarify the position and implications of that guidance for Scottish football.
“Today’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 grassroots games until further notice.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, also spoke on Friday and said:“As everyone knows, this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the entire country.
“We have been in intensive and detailed discussions since last night 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 this morning that all league fixtures this weekend and next midweek 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.”
St Johnstone’s head of football operations Kirsten Robertson has assured supporters that they will be kept up to date with any developments in terms of when the Perth club may return to action.