Buddies gaffer furious at league chiefs’ stance
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin felt that the SPFL would have become “the laughing stock of world football” if he had been forced to play an outfield player in goal against Hibernian.
Saints wanted the match called off after three of their goalkeepers – Jak Alnwick, Dean Lyness and Peter Urminsky – were ruled out because of coronavirus regulations.
The authorities, however, insisted the game had to go ahead, with Goodwin able to bring in Bobby Zlamal on the morning of the game on an emergency loan from Hearts.
Despite that signing, Saints still went down 3-0 at home to Hibs, much to Goodwin’s fury.
He said: “I was flabbergasted at the decision. It was a ridiculous situation we found ourselves in on Friday.
“I don’t think any of us expected to be forced to play the game. We felt that given the fact we had no recognised goalkeeper available registered at the club the authorities would have seen sense.
“We felt they would have shown some compassion to our situation. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and we were told the game would have to go ahead regardless.
“In the circumstances that we find ourselves in, it’s not easy to find keepers who have been tested.
“Thankfully, Hearts were able to give us Bobby but the whole situation has been a disaster. Our argument to the league was that we, as a country, are trying to publicise the game in a positive light.
“We would have been the laughing stock of world football if we had a Premiership team putting an outfield player in goals for a competitive game. It would have been ridiculous.
“When you’ve got three goalkeepers at the club who are all not allowed to play because of the global pandemic, you’re looking to your league for some leadership and some compassion.
“I don’t think there’s any other club or supporter who would’ve begrudged us a postponement.
“It’s just beggars belief the powers that be couldn’t see it the way the majority of people in the country saw it.
“When we were told our third keeper would have to isolate, we only had seven hours to get another one in. It was a stressful day and the result summed up a horrendous week.”
Zlamal admitted it had been a crazy time after making his first competitive appearance for six months.
The Czech said: “It was a very strange week. If someone told me on Friday I would be playing in a Premiership game against Hibs on Saturday I wouldn’t have believed them.”