UEFA BITE BACK

++ Ceferin tells Scottish clubs they are playing with fire if they try to end season early ++ Also warns games may have to be played behind closed doors

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin last night doubled down on a threat to bar Scottish clubs from playing in Europe next season if the SPFL decided to end the current campaign early.

Ceferin has insisted domestic leagues must try and play to a finish if the coronavirus crisis eases in the coming months, possibly with games behind closed doors.

UEFA have reacted sternly to the Belgian Pro League breaking ranks on Thursday by cancelling the remainder of their season and seeking to declare Club Brugge as champions.

That decision still has to be ratified at a general assembly on April 15, but the Belgians are confident they can protect the legal right of their clubs to compete in the Champions League and Europa League.

The SPFL are closely watching the situation ahead of a crunch board meeting and divisional

conference calls next week. A number of lower-league sides left financially stricken by the shutdown are anxious for the season to be ended — with Celtic declared champions — and prize money released. However, Sportsmail reported yesterday that a letter had been sent to effectively warn of the potential consequences for countries following Belgium’s lead. ‘This is not the way,’ said Ceferin. ‘Solidarity is not a one-way street. You can’t ask for help and then decide for yourself whether it suits you. ‘Look, Belgium and the other leagues that are thinking of cancelling the season risk participating in European football next season. UEFA requires that the competitions — if justified — be played. Possibly even without supporters. ‘Football is absolutely not the same without fans. But it’s better to have football back on TV without supporters than no football at all.’ Ceferin’s comments scorched the positive noises that came from a conference call between the Belgian Pro League, their FA and UEFA yesterday. ‘They explained to us that we shouldn’t view the letter as a threat, but rather as information,’ said Pro League chairman Peter Croonen. ‘I cannot imagine that UEFA will exclude us from Europe.’ The SPFL will discuss options at a board meeting on Tuesday.