Kilmarnock v Motherwell has been called off tonight after a COVID-19 outbreak at Rugby Park.
Earlier this week, three of Alex Dyer’s Killie players tested positive for the virus that is currently surging through Scotland as cases rise.
These players were placed into quarantine but the match was still set to go ahead in Ayrshire this evening. However, three more positive cases at Kilmarnock on Thursday threw this one into doubt.
It meant that six players at Rugby Park had contracted the virus. It’s now been deemed not safe to go on following the conclusion of an SPFL board meeting and the match will now be played at a later date.
Scotland’s Premiership has already witnessed disruption throughout the campaign. Clubs like Hamilton and St Mirren have missed key men due to positive tests and isolation procedures, the Buddies in particular hit hard as their goalkeeper department was wiped out.
Aberdeen and Celtic had games called off after players from both clubs broke virus protocols. Now Kilmarnock and Motherwell are the latest to be affected.
A Well statement reads: “Kilmarnock FC applied to the SPFL board for a cancellation of the fixture. This has been granted. Motherwell FC believes the right course of action has been taken, in order to protect players and staff of both clubs. We wish those affected by the virus a speedy recovery to full health.
Kilmarnock’s statement says: “Our entire first-team squad have been advised to self-isolate until October 14. This is in order to minimise the risk of further cases in the player and other staff groups at the club, in the wider local community, and to support Test and Protect.
“The SPFL Board met this afternoon and agreed to our request to postpone the fixture and an investigation will now be carried out by the league around the circumstances leading to the postponement.”