The 3-0 defeats handed out to St Mirren and Kilmarnock for breaching Covid-19 protocols have been suspended pending the clubs’ decision to appeal the losses, BBC Sport reports.
The duo were found guilty of breaching protocols which results in fixtures being cancelled. As a result, Motherwell were awarded two 3-0 wins over both sides, and Hamilton were awarded a 3-0 win over St Mirren.
However, for the moment the results are on hold after the appeal. The appeal against the SPFL decision will be held on the 14th of January.
Results are on hold
That means that Motherwell lose six points, and Hamilton lose three. As a result, Motherwell fall down to 10th place in the table. They are now only three points clear of last placed Ross County.
St Mirren in action against St Johnstone (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Hamilton is now in 11th place, only one point ahead of the Dingwall side. However, should the appeal fail, then it seems that Hamilton and Motherwell will get the points back.
If the appeal is a success, the games will presumably be played at the earliest possible opportunity. In any other year a situation like this one would be unprecedented. However, 2020 has been unlike any other year in football.
Appeal decision could be pivotal in relegation battle
Hamilton and Motherwell likely won’t be happy about the current situation. Kilmarnock and St Mirren will be delighted at having the opportunity to at least have the games played should the appeal succeed.
Kilmarnock in action against Aberdeen (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Only time will tell what happens. The 14th of January could turn out to be the most important day of the Premiership battle to avoid relegation, and it won’t even be taking place on the pitch.