MX23RW : Monday, December 14 10:32:12| >> :120:52819:52819:

St Mirren launch appeal over coronavirus sanctions

St Mirren launch appeal over coronavirus sanctions
© Reuters
The Buddies cancelled two matches due to a coronavirus outbreak.

St Mirren have launched an appeal against the Scottish Professional Football League's decision to award them two 3-0 defeats after breaching Covid regulations.

The Buddies were forced to cancel clashes against Motherwell and Hamilton after a coronavirus outbreak left boss Jim Goodwin unable to name a team.

Saints chiefs hoped the two matches would be replayed, but instead a Hampden disciplinary panel decided to hand their opponents walk-over victories, while also issuing a suspended £4,000 fine.

That has infuriated the Paisley outfit, who have announced they will now challenge that ruling.

In a statement, the club said: "St Mirren Football Club can today confirm that it will be appealing the decision of the SPFL tribunal on Thursday December 3 2020.

"The club is unable to make any further comment on this matter until the proceedings are complete, at which point we will update our supporters."

Saints were punished along with Kilmarnock, who also saw a game with Motherwell cancelled after seeing their entire squad forced into quarantine.

A sub-committee of the SPFL board, chaired by an independent senior solicitor and involving a sheriff "highly experienced in sports disputes", heard both clubs' cases on November 10-11 after Covid-19 outbreaks forced the postponement of three league matches in October.

An SPFL statement declared that St Mirren had admitted breaches, including a failure to implement the necessary physical distancing on a coach to an away game and during a pre-match meal. They also "failed to provide suitable facilities to enable players to observe physical distancing at training".

The written verdict also revealed that 10 players were sharing an eight-metre bench. Saints also accepted that players had been car-sharing to and from training, with up to four in one vehicle.

The decision not to replay the matches and hand relegation rivals the points saw St Mirren slip to the bottom of the table. Goodwin's men trail nearest rivals Ross County by a point but have a game in hand.

ID:425792:cQx
Latest coronavirus PSA banner

Coronavirus outbreak - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about St Mirren

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin pictured on August 9, 2020
Read Next:
Jim Goodwin admits St Mirren must be more clinical after Aberdeen draw
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers1715204744347
2Celtic15104137142334
3Hibernian1795328161232
4Aberdeen169432317631
5Motherwell176382122-121
6Dundee UnitedDundee Utd175571322-920
7Livingston175391825-718
8Kilmarnock1752101822-417
9St Johnstone174581522-717
10St Mirren16439922-1315
11Hamilton AcademicalHamilton1742111940-2114
12Ross County1734101032-2213

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!