SCOTTISH football authorities have suspended matches with immediate effect, postponing this weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Rangers were due to host Celtic at midday on Sunday but that game along with all SPFL and Championship matches are off due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Scottish football is suspended until further noticeCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
A statement on Friday morning read: “The SPFL has announced the postponement of this weekend’s and following midweek’s fixtures, starting with tonight’s Premiership match between Motherwell and Aberdeen and the Championship match between Queen of the South and Ayr United.
“The Scottish FA and SPFL will continue to liaise with governments and UEFA in relation to domestic, European and International fixtures in the coming days and more information will be communicated at the appropriate time.
“The Scottish FA Board made its decision in the interests of the health and safety of players, match officials, staff, supporters and the general public.”
Rangers had already seen their Europa League return game with Bayer Leverkusen postponed having lost Thursday’s first leg 3-1.
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell stated the public health matter is of paramount importance, amid several other countries halting sporting events.
He said: “Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic.
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“It is also why the Scottish FA is compelled to ensure that the suspension is cascaded through the non-professional and grassroots games until further notice.”
Unlike the Premier League, Scottish football are not putting a specific date on the game’s return.
The first weekend of April has been eyed by many associations but the SPFL feel the “fast-moving” situation makes such predictions less useful.
League chief executive Neil Doncaster stated: “As everyone knows, this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the entire country.
“We have been in intensive and detailed discussions since last night and have also been taking on board the experience of our counterparts in England and across Europe.
“As a result, the board of the SPFL has agreed this morning that all league fixtures this weekend and next midweek will be postponed until further notice.
“We realise that many people will be bitterly disappointed, and we would obviously prefer to be in a position where we can continue as normal, but that’s neither realistic nor possible.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
