The SFA/SPFL Joint Response Group has finally explained why clubs in Scotland won’t be playing games behind closed doors.
The Scottish season has been in lockdown since Friday due to the ongoing health crisis. However, one potential solution could’ve been to play matches without any supporters in attendance.
That idea was ridiculed by PFA Scotland Chief Executive Fraser Wishart towards the end of last week. He questioned why players’ health should be put at risk if games aren’t deemed safe enough for supporters.
And, in an extensive statement regarding today’s call with UEFA, the joint response group answered why games haven’t and won’t be played behind closed doors in Scotland.
“This was one of the options considered and an approach that has been adopted in various countries.
“However, it was the unanimous view of the Scottish FA Board that this approach could compromise the health and safety of other key stakeholders, not least players, match officials and staff, as well as necessitating the attendance of emergency services and medical staff.
“The preference remains that Season 2019/20 will be played to completion.”
Never looked likely after PFA Scotland statement
It’s no surprise that games in Scotland didn’t go on with no fans in attendance. Wishart was quick off the mark to give his view as to why it shouldn’t happen. Considering his organisation represent the players’ best interests, it was always a long way back from there if we were going to be playing behind closed doors.
Of course, other leagues around the world have taken this option recently. Serie A and the Bundesliga initially played some games without any supporters. The A-League in Australia, meanwhile, also recently announced its intention to play games with no fans in attendance.
There is also the argument as to why players shouldn’t be going to their work when many other people around Scotland and Britain are still forced to leave the house and do their daily grind.
Whilst that’s a valid point – players will always be a protected species. Any minimal threat to player health will always ensure that the strictest of measures are put in place.
What this answer from the SFA does, however, is effectively end any notion that we’ll see games behind closed doors take place. Rangers released a statement yesterday claiming that they wouldn’t be playing games without fans. Fortunately for them, it doesn’t look like the SFA/SPFL will fight that idea.
Therefore it’s now a case of football with fans or nothing. Hopefully, with a June 30 deadline (Daily Record), we can find some space to fit in the former.
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