Kilmarnock and St Mirren have been hit with 3-0 forfeits and suspended fines after the outcomes of their respective SPFL hearings.
Both had disciplinary charges brought against them after Covid-19 outbreaks at both clubs earlier this season. Killie’s match with Motherwell was postponed while the Buddies’ games with the Well and Hamilton were also postponed.
Each team had to enter two weeks of isolation as a result of their outbreaks. Now they have been handed 3-0 losses for those matches postponed, with a £40,000 fine suspended.
An SPFL spokesperson said: “The Covid-19 Regulations put in place by the SPFL and the detailed protocols issued by the SPFL/Scottish FA Joint Response Group are intended to enable Season 2020/21 to continue with the minimum of disruption and the minimum risk for those players and coaching staff involved.
“Strict adherence to these Regulations and protocols is therefore crucially important in order for Season 20/21 to be completed as scheduled.
“We note the admission by each of Kilmarnock and St Mirren that they breached SPFL Regulations, and commend both clubs for the measures that their boards have recently put in place to avoid a repeat of the circumstances that led to the postponement of these matches in October.”
Both Kilmarnock and St Mirren have reacted to this news. Killie say that they are speaking to the necessary legal people to further assess their options.
“Kilmarnock Football Club is bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the SPFL disciplinary hearing into the circumstances surrounding the postponement of our match with Motherwell,” a statement reads.
“Following the hearing, Motherwell have been awarded a 3-0 victory while we have been hit with a £40,000 fine, suspended until June 2021. The club is currently discussing our position with our legal representatives and will make further comment in due course.”
St Mirren share similar sentiments to the Ayrshire side: “St Mirren Football Club is disappointed with the outcome of the SPFL disciplinary hearing into the circumstances surrounding our postponed fixtures against Motherwell and Hamilton.
“The hearing found St Mirren guilty of breaching protocols and subsequently imposed 3-0 wins to both Motherwell and Hamilton alongside a £40,000 fine, suspended until June 2021.
“The club operated honestly throughout the whole process and will review its position before issuing a further response.”