Highland League chairmen united on coronavirus cancellations

HIGHLAND League chairmen and presidents have reacted to news that football in Scotland will "likely" be suspended until April amid coronavirus fears.

The news that all matches under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA will be postponed until further notice came early on Friday morning.

SFA President Rod Petrie and chief executive Ian Maxwell both met with Highland League representatives last week and warned that postponements were possible with the virus spreading with increasing speed.

Chairmen and presidents from Buckie Thistle, Forres Mechanics and Keith have all backed the move to postpone fixtures country-wide.

Buckie Thistle and Highland League president Raymond Cardno said: "We were warned as things were escalating the likelihood of postponements was more imminent.

"The SFA and SPFL determined actions based on advice from the government. Our challenge now is finding our champions, in anticipation of a play-off, and the top four as that is consequential for the Scottish Cup, Betfred Cup and Caramel Wafer Cup.

"We were hoping we could get through this weekend and, at the very least, get the Highland League Cup semi-finals done. That way we could have played the final as a pre-season match in the worst case scenario. Unfortunately that has been prevented with this announcement.

"I have been involved in football for 55 years and I have never seen anything like this that I can remember. It's difficult. When people are losing their lives we have got to be very aware of that and bare in mind, at our level, it is a hobby for everybody."

Forres Mechanics chairman Dave MacDonald also said the priority was the health of supporters, and those involved in the game.

"I totally agree with the decision," he said. "People's health comes first. We don't know about fulfilling the fixtures – we have to wait and see how long the suspension is going to be, but I'm behind it."

Keith chairman Andy Troup added: "The league has no option. The most important thing is people are safe.

"We have got a duty to supporters, staff and committee members to make sure they are all safe.

"Finance is always a worry, and it's a worry for every Highland League club. We will all survive by sticking together and working as a family."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.