The Highland League last night became the first in the Scottish professional game to declare a team at the top of the table, at the time of the suspension of matches, to be title winners.

That is sure to interest fans and officials of SPFL clubs. The league yesterday released a statement saying: “Scottish Highland Football League clubs met today to consider options during the current public health emergency.

“The clubs are concerned to provide all involved and interested in the Highland League with as much clarity as possible.

“The following decisions were made by the meeting:

“That the 2019-20 season be deemed to have concluded on the date that football activity in Scotland was suspended – Friday, March 13 2020.

“That Brora Rangers FC be declared Breedon Highland League Champions for 2019-20.”

With six matches remaining, Brora would normally still require 11 points to secure the title, having amassed 72 to date. Fraserburgh, with nine to play, were still capable of reaching 82 points and both Rothes and Buckie Thistle were capable of exceeding the Cattachs’ current total.

If this was to set a precedent throughout the Scottish game then Celtic could be crowned

Premiership champions and Hearts could be relegated. Last season’s Highland League champions, Cove Rangers, would secure backto-back promotions. However, legal action has been threatened by Hearts and other SPFL clubs should such a move be replicated at the higher levels.

With this, Brora would take part in the pyramid play-off against the champions of the Lowland League, who have yet to reach a decision of their own.

■ Rangers midfielder Ross Mccrorie has undergone testing for coronavirus after three Portsmouth players tested positive. Mccrorie has been on loan at the Fratton Park club since the start of the season.

Pompey announced yesterday that a batch of test results showed James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Sean Raggett and Haji Mnoga all have the virus. The club awaits results of a further 10 tests. Portsmouth lost 2- 0 to Arsenal in the FA Cup on March 2, shortly before Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta was announced to have the illness. Mccrorie played the full 90 minutes of the tie.

In Italy, AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini and his 18-year-old son, Daniel, who plays for the club, tested positive.

■ Partick Thistle have parted company with Mitch Austin. The 28- year- old winger has left by mutual consent to allow him to return home to his family in Australia.