Coronavirus: Dumbarton v Falkirk postponed as Scottish football suspended

It was announced this lunchtime that the Scottish football season had been suspended until further notice, starting today.

It means all fixtures scheduled this weekend have been postponed, with no date set for the schedule to resume.

The SFA and SPFL have acted after the UK government escalated its response and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had advised events of more than 500 people should be cancelled.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive: said: “Since the guidance outlined by governments last night we have been engaged in extensive dialogue to clarify the position and implications of that guidance for Scottish football.

“Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is also why the Scottish FA is compelled to ensure that the suspension is cascaded through the non-professional and grassroots games until further notice.”

In a social media post, Falkirk FC announced: "The Scottish FA & SPFL Coronavirus Joint Response Group have confirmed the suspension of all professional football until further notice, with immediate effect.

"Tomorrow’s match v Dumbarton has been postponed. We will update supporters further as and when we can."

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, added: “As everyone knows, this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the entire country.

“We have been in intensive and detailed discussions since last night and have also been taking on board the experience of our counterparts in England and across Europe. As a result, the board of the SPFL has agreed this morning that all league fixtures this weekend and next midweek will be postponed until further notice.

“The health and safety of fans, players and officials is absolutely paramount. We have not yet had any confirmed cases of Coronavirus amongst players in Scotland, but, given the nature of this outbreak, it seems only a matter of time.

“We realise that many people will be bitterly disappointed, and we would obviously prefer to be in a position where we can continue as normal, but that’s neither realistic nor possible.”