PFA rule out play behind closed doors
PFA SCOTLAND chairman Liam Craig has ruled out the prospect of playing matches behind closed doors in order to finish the current season.
The SPFL are currently investigating ways by which they could complete the campaign, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stating his preference last weekend for all leagues to resume by the end of June in order to conclude in time for next season’s European qualifiers.
St Johnstone midfielder Craig though contends that Scottish players would refuse to play games for the foreseeable future even if spectators weren’t present, with the health and safety risks still too great to contemplate such an arrangement.
Craig said: “We made that decision as players and a union right at the start of this and I think a lot throughout this period we have been ahead of the game in terms of trying to get on the front foot and see what’s happening, moving forward and looking at other countries and how it has affected them.
“From a player’s point of view, first and foremost, like anything safety for the players is paramount. There’s no guarantee playing behind closed doors you’re going to get that safety.
“Right now, with the Government guidelines, with social distancing, the SFA guidelines that we’re not even allowed to train together, I think for the time being it’s not even a conversation to have.
“In a few weeks’ time if the circumstances become a lot clearer and the medical advice is a lot better than it is maybe something we talk about further down the line but right now I can’t see it happening.”