Millen wonders what planet the ‘brains’ are on
Andy Millen insists the draconian punishment initially meted out to Kilmarnock after they could not fulfil a Premiership fixture was indicative of decision-makers “not in the real world” and devoid of “common sense”.
The Ayrshire outfit may have succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road, but an arguably more important victory came 24 hours prior when their appeal against coronavirus-related sanctions was upheld by a Scottish FA disciplinary panel.
Killie were hit with a 3-0 forfeit after they could not fulfil a game against Motherwell due to the virus, while they were also fined £40,000.
But the controversial penalties were quashed following a hearing on Friday.
An emotional Millen broke Killie’s silence on the decision yesterday, reflecting on his own experience of the virus.
“I was unfortunate to have it myself – my whole family was down with it,” said Millen. “These people making these decisions are not using common sense. They’re not in the real world.
“You only need to see what’s happening in English football. There’s no hysteria. If the game is off, it’s off. The most important thing is people’s lives are at stake.
“There’s always another day for a game of football.
“I was always quietly confident sensible people doing sensible things would get to the right answer – and they did that.
“From Kilmarnock’s point of view, we’re happy common sense has prevailed and now we’ll get on and play the game when it does get played.”
The sense of relief following that verdict was in sharp contrast to the disappointment of losing a hard-fought contest.
“Both the manager (Alex Dyer) and I said to the boys at half-time a mistake from either team was going to lead to the first goal,” said Millen.
“Unfortunately for us, we made the mistake and then we’re chasing the game.
“We had then shot from Nicke Kabamba that hit the inside of the post, but, once we lose the second one, the game is finished.”