'Exceptionally harsh' - Ross County boss has say on possible Covid impact on results

Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell feels forfeits would be "exceptionally harsh" if clubs can't field a team due to coronavirus. Picture: SNS

Motherwell first-team coach Maurice Ross proposed the idea of teams giving up three games if they are unable to fulfil a fixture.

The Steelmen's weekend clash with St Mirren was called off due to the Buddies having a lack of outfield players.

Motherwell have not played since a 5-1 defeat to Rangers at the end of September with their clash with Kilmarnock also having been called off to Killie players testing positive for coronavirus.

Ross suggested teams could be “opportunistic” in getting games called off and believes a stricter line should be taken by the SPFL with a “law change”.

He said: “If you can't fulfil a fixture, tough, three points."

Common sense

Kettlewell, who led his side to a 0-0 weekend draw with Hibs, reckons such a measure would be “exceptionally harsh” and no club is “actively trying to catch a deadly virus”, calling for common sense instead.

"We did have a few setbacks in the early weeks but Scottish football in general has learned a lot of lessons from that,” he said.

"We talk to our players about avoiding situations like coffee shops or the high street where you can't control your social distancing or who you're surrounded by.

"I have my own situation where I'm on red alert for my wife. She's due to give birth so we're trying to manage our other kids so they're not in contact with anyone who has the virus for obvious reasons.

"So we are all thinking about it and hopefully it doesn't happen but if anybody at Ross County comes down with it, it's certainly not going to be through us not following the rules.

He added: "There really does need to be some common sense. The deduction of points could have a massive impact on people's seasons and livelihoods come the end of the season."

There would be little sympathy in Gorgie following Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor's comments during the summer that Hearts were best taking “their medicine" in the Championship rather than fighting their cause via legal action.