McFadden insists games played need to count

Scotland legend James McFadden admits he would prefer to see the current standings being used as the final league placings rather than the season being terminated, writes Darren Johnstone.

Those are just two of the options likely to be discussed by the SFA and SPFL in the coming weeks after football was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has already made it clear that he believes his team should be crowned Premiership title winners should it be decided that the remaining fixtures will not be fulfilled.

At the other end of the table, Hearts currently prop up the automatic relegation place.

Ex-Everton and St Johnstone playmaker McFadden believes the games that have been played so far would need to count for something.

He said: “I think it’s tough. There’s no doubt if the league resumes in the next week or two then Celtic would go on to win the league and I can see where Neil Lennon is coming from.

“But there are so many more issues that aren’t resolved and it’s a tough one.

“I know Hearts are in the relegation spot at the minute, could they realistically get out? Yes, they could. If that’s the two options (cancelling or using current placings), then end with the positions they’re in.”

Speaking to Sky Sports, McFadden added: “There’s been so much good football played over the course of the season so far and we’re nearly at the end, we’re nearly there.

“So I would rather it was finished to the point where there were winners crowned.

“Unfortunately for the teams in the positions where it’s going to cost them, then that’s just the way it is.

“I wouldn’t like to see it being null and void because it’s been a fantastic season. There have been loads of highs and lows.

“It would be a shame for the players involved and the fans to say it doesn’t count for anything – that’s unfair.”

James McFadden fears this season could be cancelled.