Kilmarnock charged by SPFL with breaking coronavirus rules

The Scottish Professional Football League has charged Kilmarnock with failing to follow strict protocols to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The Ayrshire club were permitted to postpone their match against Motherwell earlier this month after positive cases forced the entire Kilmarnock first team squad to self-isolate under advice from health authorities.

However, the league body did not immediately reschedule the game and said that they would investigate the circumstances of the postponement.

Protocols laid down by the SPFL to prevent the spread of the disease include regular testing, social distancing and a range of other measures. Kilmarnock maintain that they have followed the rules.

That investigation is now complete and the SPFL has opened a disciplinary case against Kilmarnock where the Rugby Park club could face a range of punishments, including being forced to forfeit the match.

An SPFL statement read: “The SPFL has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been commenced against Kilmarnock FC.

“It is alleged that Kilmarnock FC breached the SPFL’s Covid-19 Regulations during the lead-up to their postponed League Match v Motherwell FC on Friday, 2 October.

“A hearing will be held before a Sub-Committee of the Board of the SPFL, chaired by an independent legally-qualified chair. The date of the hearing will be announced in due course.”

Kilmarnock are unhappy with the decision and say they will defend their position fully.