Livi boss backs SPFL’S stance on call-offs

Livingston manager David Martindale has backed the Scottish Professional Football League’s stance on postponements following criticism from top-flight rivals.

Dundee and St Mirren have both criticised the SPFL decision-makers over the past week after failing with requests to call off games amid Covid-19 outbreaks.

The league’s director of operations Calum Beattie responded on Monday to say the board had to stick with the policy agreed by clubs before the start of the season.

Martindale told Sky Sports News: “I agree with the SPFL 100%, if I’m honest.

“Every club was involved in these talks at the start of the season and every club got to put their own criteria forward.

“We had a vote and everyone agreed that if they had 13 players, and one was a goalkeeper and 10 of them were over 18, then we were going to fulfil that fixture.”

St Mirren fielded 16-year-old Dylan Reid against Celtic last week and their bench had zero first-team experience, although they held their visitors to a goalless draw.

Dundee could only name four substitutes against Aberdeen on Saturday with their bench made up of two goalkeepers, a 17-yearold and 40-year-old assistant manager Dave Mackay. They lost 2-1.

Martindale said. “I obviously called for the winter break to be brought forward a little bit earlier than some clubs because we could see this happening.

“I don’t think it’s fair on sporting integrity but we have all got to realise we all voted for this at the start of the season, so I don’t think you can lay the blame at the door of the SPFL if I’m honest.”