Tag: Sport

Yellow card for SPFL

The SPFL has agreed to implement an urgent package of measures – and to the postponement of a limited number of Scottish Premiership fixtures – following another breach of protocols.

The decision was taken by the SPFL, following discussion with Ministers, after Celtic FC player Boli Bolingoli allegedly failed to self-isolate for the required 14 day quarantine period after returning from Spain.

The player apparently did not declare this trip to the club and continued to break the resumption of performance sport protocols by taking part in training and playing in the club’s game against Kilmarnock FC on Sunday.

This follows the earlier breach of protocol involving players from Aberdeen FC.

Matches involving Aberdeen and Celtic this midweek, and the match between the two clubs scheduled for this weekend – three games in total – will now be postponed.

In addition:

  • The SPFL has agreed to put an immediate player education programme in place to ensure no further rule breaks occur and players and staff are fully aware of their responsibilities
  • The SPFL has also agreed to put in place punitive measures that can be implemented so they can directly take action against players in the event of further rule breaches
  • The SPFL agreed to undertake promotional activity on behalf of SG – FACT branded material, etc

Minister for Sport Joe FitzPatrick said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes during these past months to create the protocols and testing regimes that have allowed top level professional football in Scotland to resume, without putting the public or others at unnecessary risk.

“It is up to the football authorities, clubs and individuals within those clubs to take responsibility to ensure that these protocols are followed rigorously. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, we have seen multiple  examples where that hasn’t happened.   

“This latest example indicates that the current arrangements are not working as intended, and so clearly additional steps now need to be taken to ensure that the necessity of strict compliance with the rules is fully and properly understood.”

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch said: “I share the disappointment of many fans at this setback but this is another example which unfortunately demonstrates that the current system is not working as intended and does not give me the confidence I need that the required protocols are being followed.

“The football authorities and clubs must be able to provide the Scottish Government with the confidence required that everyone involved in the sport understands the absolute necessity of adhering rigorously to the guidelines in place so that football does not present an unnecessary risk to public health more generally.”

Rod Petrie, Chair of the SPFL Joint Response Group, said: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government.

While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.

“Since March, the Joint Response Group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.

“Players must heed the warning of the First Minister that this is a yellow-card moment for Scottish football.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, added: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game. For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth.

“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”

‘Torpid and toothless’: Gambling Commission slammed in new report

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission it oversees have an “unacceptably weak understanding” of the impact of gambling harms and lack measurable targets for reducing them, according to a Westminster committee.

In a report published yesterday, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee says the Gambling Commission is not proactively influencing gambling operators to improve protections, and consistently lags behind moves in the gambling industry. Where gambling operators fail to act responsibly, consumers do not have the same rights to redress as in other sectors.

There are an estimated 395,000 problem gamblers in the UK, with a further 1.8 million people ‘at risk’. The effects can be devastating, life-changing for people and whole families, including financial and home loss, relationship breakdowns, criminality and suicide.

The Gambling Commission is a non-departmental public body funded by licence fees from gambling operators. In 2018-19 it took £19 million in these licence fees: less than 0.2% of the £11.3 billion gambling yield that year. In contrast to the Commission’s £19m fees a year, the gambling industry has agreed to spend £60m to treat problem gamblers.

‘Prevention is better than cure’

The government has approached other public health issues on the basis that prevention is better than cure. However, the Department was unwilling to accept the premise that increasing the Commission’s budget to prevent harm would be preferable to spending on treating problem gamblers. 

The Commission increased the value of the financial penalties it enforced from £1.4 million in 2014-15 to £19.6 million in 2018-19, but it doesn’t know whether this has strengthened the deterrent to breaking rules for operators.

The Gambling Commission also has little understanding of the impact of its other regulatory action, including its ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling.

The Committee finds the pace of change to ensure effective regulation has been slow and the penalties on companies which don’t effectively tackle problem gambling are weak. 

Failure to protect consumers

It says the Department and Commission together have “failed to adequately protect consumers” at a time of considerable change in the sector, as gambling increasingly moves online and new games become popular.

The collection of evidence has been patchy and behind the curve as the nature of gambling has changed, and the Commission has failed to develop responses even where it has identified potential problems, such as during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The temporary ban on gambling ads during lockdown has now been lifted – in its response to the report the Commission should provide an update on gambling patterns and industry behaviour during Covid-19, and any regulatory action it has taken to tackle the industry.

The Committee calls for a new, published league table of gambling operators’ behaviour towards their customers, naming and shaming poor performers. It says the Department must urgently begin its long-planned review of the Gambling Act, setting out a timetable within three months of this report.

The Committee concludes:

  •  The Commission should develop a plan for how it will be more proactive in influencing the industry to treat consumers better, including using reputational tools such as league tables indicating how well each operator treats its customers
  • The Commission should urgently investigate the impact of fixed odds betting that falls under “lottery” legislation and is accessible by 16 and 17-year-olds
  • The Commission and the Department should urgently look at online fixed odds betting and report back to the Committee with how they intend to increase effectiveness of online harm reduction within three months. 
  • The Commission needs to “radically improve” the data and insight it collects to know what is going wrong for consumers and develop better information on its own performance: Within three months the Department and Commission should set out to the Committee what actions they will take to ensure they have the research and evidence base needed to better understand gambling problems, and to design an effective regulatory response.
  • The Department and Commission should work together to strengthen consumer rights assess the impact on consumers of gaps in redress arrangements and examine options for increasing statutory protections with an individual right of redress for breaches of the Social Responsibility Code of Practice.

Chair’s comments

Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “What has emerged in evidence is a picture of a torpid, toothless regulator that doesn’t seem terribly interested in either the harms it exists to reduce or the means it might use to achieve that.

“The Commission needs a radical overhaul: it must be quicker at responding to problems, update company licence conditions to protect vulnerable consumers and beef up those consumers’ rights to redress when it fails.

“The issue of gambling harm is not high up enough the Government’s agenda. The review of the Gambling Act is long overdue and an opportunity to see a step change in how problem gambling is treated. The Department must not keep dragging its feet, we need to see urgent moves on the badly needed overhaul of the system.

“Regulatory failure this comprehensive needs a quick pincer movement to expose the miscreants and strengthen those they harm.”

Hibs to consult supporters on ‘difficult choices’

Since the global pandemic hit the UK – wreaking havoc with our lives, our health and care systems, and our businesses – Hibernian supporters have been magnificent in their backing for the club.

Our support has been the silver lining on a cloudy horizon. In turn, we have sought at every turn to keep supporters informed as honestly as we are able to. With that in mind, it is now important to let supporters know that difficult choices must be considered to reduce costs to protect the future of Hibernian.

We are today embarking on a process of consultation with our people over proposals to find cost reductions. This is no different from any other business in this economy, many of which have already taken steps to protect their future.  We must all recognise that the club must be financially sustainable.

When we outlined our ambitious plans at our AGM a few months ago, no-one could have predicted that the healthy cash balance the club enjoyed at that time would be severely depleted a few months later as we faced this crisis and no revenue being generated from normal operations.

The club has continued to meet its full liabilities, internally and externally, with some of these deferred but still due later in the year. This initial action was a vital step, allowing us breathing space to manage cashflow and, importantly, to engage with our staff.

With no clear end in sight and a full return to football in stadia full of supporters likely to be in 2021, there has been, and there will continue to be, a substantial and unsustainable strain on the Club’s finances.

We forecast that our revenues will be halved in 2020-21 and we anticipate a significant loss for the current season that was cut short in March, despite the support shown by fans so far. That is the reality we face, and the continued uncertainty and restrictions mean our current cost structure is not sustainable.

Chairman Ronald Gordon said: “We’re all excited that football is returning – but it will be behind closed doors, with likely limited attendance as a next phase. That means we continue to endure limited revenue opportunities for the foreseeable future.

“Therefore, several initiatives, activities and services at our club need to be paused or scaled back until it is safe, permissible and financially prudent for us to resume activity.

“We must now focus our limited resources on our core business – and that is supporting our first team to deliver success on the pitch. That is what we are here to do.  This scaling back will have an impact on our people, and we enter into a period of consultation with them to discuss the potential impact on them.  I would like to thank the contribution and efforts of all of our staff during this difficult time.

“I would also like to thank our supporters who, recognising the threat to the club, have responded. Around 8500 Season Tickets for next season have sold so far, with more selling each day despite fans knowing that the timing and shape of next season is far from clear at this stage.

“Our “Thank You NHS” home shirt was launched to national acclaim and record sales. And with the 2019-20 season called early, with four home matches not played, less than 15 per cent of season ticket holders have requested a refund.

“We will get through this by all working together. Supporters, staff, management and players have all played their part so far, and I believe will continue to do so.”

Monies raised through the sale of season tickets for 2020-21 will help fund next season’s campaign. We welcome the announcement of a framework agreed between the SPFL and Sky which should see the top-flight of Scottish football resume in August.

With football facing a “behind closed doors” start to the season, the new framework means those who have already purchased season tickets for season 2020/21 now know they are guaranteed to see all home matches live until entry to stadiums returns.

Hibernian will soon announce full details of our package, which is being designed to give our season ticket holders the best possible value and a unique, exciting and enjoyable Hibernian matchday experience.

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive, said: “I would add my thanks to Ron’s for the professionalism shown by our staff throughout this crisis.

“From the start, in light of the uncertainty around what shape next season will ultimately take, we have sought to ensure our supporters have the fullest understanding of the situation before us, and that includes what your ticket will secure for you.

“Any supporter who cannot commit to travel this difficult journey with us will be treated fairly, with respect, and with our understanding, but we hope and believe you will want to be with us every step of the way.

“We understand not everyone is able to help as they might like in these difficult times, however if you can help, we thank you for it.”

Hearts: We’ll see you in Court

The Scottish Professional Football League Board today announced that a league-wide consultation exercise has shown there is insufficient support for a new divisional structure and that the current 12-10-10-10 format will remain in place for Season 2020/21.

The SPFL decision will now be challlenged in the courts by Hearts, who have now been relegated. The Gorgie club says the decision is ‘unjust and unfair’.

16 of the 42 clubs favoured changing to a 14-10-10-10 structure, but this was short of the numbers required and, as a result, the SPFL Board has agreed to draw a line under reconstruction talks.

Separately, the ten Championship clubs have voted to approve a 27-game programme, with teams playing each other three times, rather than four.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL said: “In recent weeks, we’ve been consulting closely with our clubs regarding possible reconstruction and, based on the feedback we received, the board decided to ask all 42 clubs to give their views so that we could have absolute clarity, which we’ve achieved today.  

“Whilst a number of clubs were in favour of a new divisional set-up, the support for it was insufficient and we will now move forward with a fixture programme for Season 2020/21 based on the current 12-10-10-10 structure.

“Due to the restrictions forced upon us by the coronavirus outbreak, the Championship clubs also voted overwhelmingly to play each other three times next season, rather than four, which enables a later start to the Championship league season.

“Now that we have a confirmed structure for next season, the SPFL’s fixturing team will begin work on the Premiership fixture list, which will start on the weekend of 1 August, and the Championship fixture list, which will start on the weekend of 17 October.”

Discussions regarding arrangements for Leagues 1 and 2 remain ongoing.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Heart of Midlothian FC vowed to fight on. The club said:

‘The SPFL Board has today announced that any reconstruction proposals for season 2020/21 will not proceed to a vote due to a lack of support from other member clubs.

‘To say we are disappointed, yet sadly not surprised, at this outcome is, of course, an understatement. We have, from the outset, worked tirelessly with fellow clubs and the SPFL Board to try to find a solution that would right the most obvious wrongs that have been caused in Scottish football by decisions taken as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Hearts, along with many others, have stated repeatedly that no club should be disproportionately disadvantaged because of this crisis. This was the final opportunity for kinship to prevail and for Scottish football to stand together in an emergency. It is an unfortunate condemnation of Scottish football that this was not possible.

‘We thank those who were open minded, pragmatic and willing to come together to try and reach a fair outcome for all. Sadly, there were too few of us.

‘Now that all other avenues are closed, we are left with no choice but to proceed with a legal challenge.

‘The club has tried throughout these last few months to avoid this course of action but we must now do the right thing by our supporters, our employees, our players and our sponsors, all of whom have been unwavering in their commitment and support.  We can hold our heads up high as we have acted at all times with integrity, common sense and with the best interests of Scottish football at heart.

‘We have stated from the beginning that the unjust and unfair treatment of Hearts, Partick Thistle, Stranraer and indeed other clubs cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.  While many weeks have been wasted in trying to find a solution, we must now formally challenge this outcome.

‘The club can confirm that the necessary steps have been taken to begin this legal challenge.  Given that this is now an active legal matter, the club will be offering no further comment at this time.

‘To our amazing fans we say that we cannot, and will not, sit idly by and watch the decisions made in the past few months further damage Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Thank you for fighting for us, now allow us to do the same for you.’

Scottish Hockey: League season 2019/20 is now completed

Following the suspension of hockey due to the unprecedented situations presented by the Covid-19 virus, Scottish Hockey can confirm that the 2019/20 league season is now completed for Scottish Hockey’s Premiership, National, Championship and Regional leagues.

Scottish Hockey’s Management Committee considered all options to complete the 2019/20 season in full on the pitch, as well as partial completion of the season, in detail, and reached the unanimous decision, endorsed by the Scottish Hockey Board, that it is sadly now not possible to complete all the remaining fixtures on the pitch.

The 2019/20 cup and plate competitions are also now completed.

There will be no winners awarded for season 2019/20, and no automatic promotion or relegation, however with the majority of leagues completing over 60% of matches there is clearly a wish for the endeavour of clubs to be recognised. Therefore, teams have been given a placing based on their performance up until hockey was suspended.

The final league rankings (attached) for the 2019/20 season have been determined using average points per match, based on the matches completed prior to competitions being suspended.

Scotland’s European representatives, based on these rankings, will be Grange (EHL); Western Wildcats (Men’s EuroHockey Trophy); Clydesdale Western and Edinburgh University (both Women’s EuroHockey Challenge 1).

Three guiding principles were established as part of our decision making process: health and safety; fairness; and practicality.

From the outset of the process we aimed to ensure that no team is negatively impacted by the current circumstances, and as such, there will be no teams automatically relegated or promoted this season.

League Season 2020/21

We are currently considering the most suitable approach for season 2020/21. The Board of Scottish Hockey recognises that the Management Committee was not established to operate in these unprecedented times and so it has been determined that the powers of the Management Committee be suspended at present and that a task force be created, that includes members of the Board and the Management Committee, to consider our approach for season 2020/21.

It is intended that the task force will consult with member clubs with a view to building a route map, aligned to Scottish Government guidance, for the season ahead.

The timeline for this task force is as follows:

19 June: task force appointed

10 July: consultation with clubs

24 July: decision

We will release our working scenarios document outlining the process of how the decisions regarding season 2019/20 were made along with the task force appointments. 

Season completion – FAQ 

What does completion mean?

The current suspension of hockey will continue and no further games will be played in the 2019/20 season.

Why can’t the remaining games be played ahead of the next season?

As part of the decision-making process, all options to complete the 2019/20 season in full, as well as partial completion of the season, were considered.

Due to the level of uncertainty around facilities; social distancing; teams’ access to players; universities; and government restrictions, it is not possible to confirm with certainty when hockey will resume. This break in continuity also means that any restart would not be a fair reflection of the teams who began the 2019-20 campaign.

Next season will start afresh when it is safe and possible to do so.

What is Scottish Hockey’s decision regarding league winners, promotion and relegation?

There is no automatic promotion or relegation in season 2019/20. There will be no winners awarded for season 2019/20. However, with the majority of leagues completing over 60% of matches there is clearly a wish for the endeavour of clubs to be recognised. Therefore, teams have been given a placing based on their performance up until hockey was suspended. Placings were calculated by using average points per game to determine the final positions within the league, see further details below.

It was determined that to relegate any team without fulfilling all fixtures would be unfair. Therefore, in season 2019/20 there will be no relegations.

How were placings worked out?

All games played before the suspension (00:01 on 14 March 2020) were included in calculating league standings. Placings were calculated by using average points per game to determine the final positions within the league.

The points per game average for each team was calculated by dividing the number of games played by the total points gained. In the event that two teams were equal after establishing their points per game average, goal difference was used to rank the teams.

Why was points per game average used?

Due to the uneven number of games played within leagues it was determined that the fairest calculation was the points per game average as this aligned with our principle of fairness, and ensures that no team was disadvantaged/advantaged as a result of less/more games played.

Why are the standings in Men’s National League 2 and Men’s National league 3 different than what is shown on the Scottish Hockey website?

Prior to the announcement that all hockey would be suspended there were two forfeited games due to be played on the 14th March. It was decided to exclude these games from the average points per game calculation as they were due to be played after the suspension, which begun on 14th March.

Who will represent Scotland in European competitions next season?

Scotland’s European representatives for next season have been determined by the 2019/20 points per game placings. This was unanimously approved in a vote by the Management Committee who felt teams competing in the 2019/20 season are a more accurate reflection of competitive standards than that of team positions from the previous season.

From the men’s Premiership, Grange and Western Wildcats will compete in Europe. In the women’s Premiership, Clydesdale Western and Edinburgh University will play in Europe.

Are the cup and plate competitions still going to be played?

No further cup or plate games will take place in season 2019/20 and no winners will be awarded. 

Will clubs be offered a refund or credit for the 2019/20 season?

Yes, all teams involved in our leagues will be offered 40% credit for their entry fee of next season’s competitions, or have the opportunity to allocate that money to support Scottish Hockey youth teams in 2021. 

What does this mean for youth competitions?

Recently Scottish Hockey announced that all domestic youth competitions planned for the period up until the end of August have been cancelled.

This includes the U12, U14 and U16 festivals in May and June. The U16 National Club Cup and the U14 Inter Districts. 

Are cards and suspensions carried over to next season?

Yes, any individual who received a match ban that was not served in season 2019/20 will have their ban carried over to the first games of next season.

Any yellow cards that were given in 2019/20 season will stand and as per the discipline code, any individual who accumulates four yellow cards in the same competition within any 12 month period will receive a suspension. 

When will next season start?

We will be guided by the Scottish Government and public health authorities in making any decision to resume hockey. We will consult with clubs to establish their readiness to restart formal competitions and any specific barriers they may face. 

What is the format of next year’s competitions?

Scottish Hockey will be consulting with our clubs on the structures for organised competitions next year. The consultation documents will be sent to our clubs by 10 July. 

How many teams will get relegated from each league in season 2020/21?

We need to wait for league structures to be finalised before we confirm this. We plan to work to the principal that every team that wins their league will have a chance to be promoted either automatically or through a playoff, and at least every side that finishes bottom of a league will either be relegated or face a relegation playoff. If there is a significant change to the structures in 2020-2021 there may be a requirement for further relegation. This will be communicated in advance of any league starting.

Who will be on the task force?

The Scottish Hockey Board will appoint the task force and its members will be circulated with the initial consultation.

What happens if our team wants to play in a lower league?

When the structures are confirmed for the upcoming seasons, clubs will submit their entry forms. If a team wishes to play in a lower league, then they should speak to the Competitions and Events Manager who can advise.

I want more information

If you have any further questions, or any feedback, please contact competitions@scottish-hockey.org.uk

‘The wait is over’: football’s back … in England

UK Government okays resumption of competitive sport behind closed doors

  • Guidance permits return to domestic competition from 1 June 2020
  • First major sporting event expected to be 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse on 6 June
  • Follows guidance supporting the return to training for elite and professional sport

The Culture Secretary has outlined the strict conditions for elite athletes and professional sportsmen and women to resume competitive sport safely behind closed doors in England from 1 June 2020, paving the way for the first domestic live action in almost three months.

The ‘stage three’ guidance, published yesterday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been developed in close consultation with the Deputy Chief Medical Officers of England, Public Health England and medical representatives across Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports governing bodies.

The guidance, designed for competition delivery partners and elite sport organisations, outlines the facilities and processes that will need to be in place, including that there will be no spectators at events.

Providing its conditions are met, one of the first major sporting events is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes race meeting, which would take place at Newmarket Racecourse on 6 June and be broadcast on free to air television.

Following detailed discussions with DCMS, the Deputy Chief Medical Officers and Public Health England, preparations are also being finalised for the Premier League and EFL football to resume later in June. This will be subject to a successful vote from their clubs and approval by safety advisory groups including police.

Further announcements are expected to be made by other sporting governing bodies in due course.

In light of the Government making clear that the Premier League should widen access for fans to view live coverage during the remainder of the season in light of ongoing social distancing measures, the Premier League has this week reached an agreement with its broadcast partners to televise a significant proportion of its remaining matches on free-to-air platforms, including Sky’s ‘Pick’ TV, that is available on Freeview, and for the first time in Premier League history, the BBC.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said: “The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments.

“This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.

“This is a significant moment for British sport. By working with clinicians every step of the way, we are creating the safest possible environments for everyone involved.”

The stage three guidance makes clear that the following conditions should be met for the staging of competitive sporting events until further notice:

  • All competition delivery partners and user groups involved, from the teams and athletes, to the support staff, officials and media, must travel individually and by private transport where possible;
  • Prior to entering the competition venue, they are expected to carry out a screening process for coronavirus symptoms. Anyone with known or suspected Covid-19 will not be permitted to enter and should be placed, or remain, in isolation and follow the latest Government guidelines;
  • A one-way system for the movement of people and vehicles should be established around the competition venue;
  • Social distancing should be maintained by all groups where possible. This includes the competing athletes and support staff on the bench and field of play, such as during any disputes between players and referees, or scoring celebrations;
  • Where social distancing cannot be maintained, sports governing bodies, clubs and teams should implement a rigorous regime to monitor for symptoms;
  • Dressing room usage should be minimised, however showers can be used in line with Government guidelines;
  • All non-essential activities, such as catering, should be limited;
  • Team / athlete medical staff must ensure they adhere to the latest Public Health England advice, such as through the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Physiotherapy treatment should be limited to an essential need only;
  • Competition delivery partners and elite sports organisations should appoint a named COVID-19 Officer to be responsible for oversight of all planning and communications, and a named COVID-19 Medical Officer to have oversight of and manage any individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, to ensure necessary standards are met;
  • Other restrictions applying to the general population must be adhered to outside of competition venues and official elite training venues.

It is expected that the guidelines will be considered by competition delivery partners (such as the organiser and venue operator) and elite sport organisations (such as the national governing bodies, professional leagues and clubs), and applied to their individual competitions. They will have the responsibility to decide when it is safe and appropriate to move to stage three and resume competition when they have their own protocols in place.

They must also ensure all competition delivery partners and user groups involved in staging a competitive sporting event, from the teams and athletes, to the support staff, officials and media, are fully briefed to ensure they have understood the specific risks and mitigations, and be clear that they must actively ‘opt in’.

It follows ‘stage two’ guidance published on 25 May making clear that elite athletes could resume competitive, close contact training at official elite training venues, so that players can get match fit under carefully controlled medical conditions. However it made clear that time spent within a two metre distance should be kept to a minimum, equipment sharing should be avoided, and communal areas, such as changing rooms, cafes, team rooms and recovery spaces, should remain closed where possible.

‘Stage one’ guidance was published earlier this month, outlining conditions for a return to individual performance training at official elite training venues while maintaining social distancing from teammates and other people outside their households. This included safeguards such as the deep cleaning of facilities and the screening of athletes and staff for coronavirus symptoms before they can enter the training venue by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

All relevant standards defined in stages one and two for a return to training must continue to apply, and must be satisfied before a sport or sporting event can progress to stage three.

The elite sport return to training guidance intends to minimise the risk to the elite sports community, while also minimising any pressure elite sport places on healthcare workers and the wider community. Like all changes to current measures it will be kept under review in accordance with the Government’s Covid alert system.

Scotland’s Hockey Clubs make the pledge

Despite their inability to play matches, Scotland’s 100 hockey clubs have been invited to sign a Club Pledge to keep the sport connected and vibrant throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

And so far, in just over one week, over 60 of them have done so, with yet more looking to sign-up in course of the month of May.

The Club Pledge can be found at https://www.scottish-hockey.org.uk/clubs/club-pledge/.

The Club Pledge is intended to bring the hockey community together and connected, while showcasing the good work being done by clubs and to enable other clubs to do the same.

Scotland’s hockey club members are being urged to maintain club togetherness and community to help the sport to thrive.

By making the Club Pledge the clubs will:

  • Hold weekly club/team online (Zoom/Teams/GoTo) meetings at the time their training session would be.
  • Host virtual club social events – online quiz; karaoke; party nights
  • Set club challenges to raise money for charity and good causes – for example run 5k and donate £5.
  • Profile club members who are on the front line – working in the NHS; carers; supermarket workers; refuse workers etc.

Paul Elliott, Communications Manager at Scottish Hockey, said: “Scotland’s hockey club members are missing the bonds and companionship they get from playing and training with their team mates for the game they love.

“This initiative helps clubs and teams maintain those bonds and keep spirits high in preparation for that time when we can all meet up again on the hockey pitch.

“In the meantime we are hoping that all of our affiliated hockey clubs will make the Club Pledge to maintain the great sense of community and togetherness people enjoy through hockey.

“There’s also an amazing amount of fundraising taking place through Club Pledge, so collectively we will hope to establish the amount of funds that have been raised for good causes right across the country.”

Hearts going down as SPFL ends season early

The SPFL has today announced that, following consultation with all 12 top-flight clubs, the Board of the SPFL has determined that the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership has been concluded with immediate effect.

As with the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League One and Ladbrokes League Two competitions, final season placings have been determined by points per game in league matches played to 13 March 2020 by each club.

The decision means that Celtic are crowned 2019/20 champions and Hearts have been relegated to the Ladbrokes Championship. The final placings in full can be seen below:

Games played Points Goal Difference Points / Game
1 Celtic 30 80 70 2.6667
2 Rangers 29 67 45 2.3103
3 Motherwell 30 46 3 1.5333
4 Aberdeen 30 45 4 1.5000
5 Livingston 30 39 2 1.3000
6 St Johnstone 29 36 -18 1.2414
7 Hibernian 30 37 -7 1.2333
8 Kilmarnock 30 33 -10 1.1000
9 St Mirren 30 29 -17 0.9667
10 Ross County 30 29 -31 0.9667
11 Hamilton A 30 27 -20 0.9000
12 Hearts 30 23 -21 0.7667

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.

“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters. This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the Board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.

“Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time. Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Ladbrokes Premiership now and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20. 

“The SPFL Board met this morning and in line with the express agreement of member clubs in April, the Board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.

“This decision now enables us to pay out around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately.

“The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible.  Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports.  The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our Divisions is due to commence on 1 August, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”

The story’s not over yet, however …

In a statement, Heart of Midlothian said: ‘Following today’s decision to end the 2019/20 Premiership season and expel Heart of Midlothian Football Club from the top flight, the club would like to provide a brief update to both its fans and the wider Scottish football audience.

‘We have stated from the outset that we don’t believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was previously indicated that league reconstruction would not generate enough support to pass a vote between member clubs.  In recent days a number of positive talks have been held with both the SPFL and member clubs and this topic is currently being revisited.

‘Hearts will shortly submit a member’s resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind. It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging – financially and otherwise – any club. 

‘This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Players from across all leagues have shown a desire for reconstruction and having already received support from some clubs we are hopeful that this resolution can positively progress Scottish football.

‘As previously intimated the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so. We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive. However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations.

‘To our supporters, we thank you for showing patience and continuing to back the club. We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome.’

A statement from Rangers Football Club

WE have been presented with evidence via a whistleblower that raises serious concerns surrounding the SPFL’s processes relating to its stewardship of the voting on the resolution presented to member Clubs.

Rangers’ Interim Chairman, Douglas Park, attempted to discuss this evidence with SPFL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, who initially refused to do so. The SPFL followed up that call with an e-mail, which we believe was a thinly disguised attempt to silence legitimate concerns.

Rangers will not be bullied into silence. We believe it is in the interests of all Scottish clubs and supporters that the evidence, which is alarming, be addressed as quickly as possible.

The voting debacle and the evidence we possess raise serious questions concerning the corporate governance of the SPFL.

Mr Park said: “The lack of leadership and responsibility from the SPFL as a members’ organisation has shocked me. If ever there was a time for complete openness and transparency, it is now. Crucial decisions are being made on the issues of promotion and relegation behind closed doors and without proper time for consideration or debate.

“The farcical conduct of this affair seems to me to bring the corporate governance and business operations of the SPFL into sharp focus. It is an example of an undemocratic culture, which has existed within the SPFL for far too long.

“As a member club, we are disturbed by the evidence that has been presented and feel there is no choice but to call for an independent investigation into this entire matter. Each member of the SPFL board has a duty to its members to ensure that such an investigation is instructed without delay.

“All we ask for is equality and respect. In the past few days, we have become alarmed at a seeming lack of even-handedness and fair play from the SPFL. This is surely unacceptable and, if substantiated, must be remedied.

“Other member clubs, who have seen the evidence we hold, share our concerns.

“We call for the suspension of the SPFL’s Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster and its legal adviser, Rod McKenzie while an independent investigation is conducted.”

www.rangers.co.uk

Deadline extended to win a brand new team kit

As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, UK branded products and clothing specialist Recognition Express has extended the deadline for U16  Junior and juvenile  football clubs across England and Scotland  to nominate their unsung club heroes.

The prize is a brand- new strip for the whole team next season and the extended deadline for free online entry is now 30 April.

The Recognition Express franchise has local branches across England and Scotland each run by owner operators who play an active part in the communities they serve.

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express, said: “Our annual Unsung Heroes competition is a fantastic way to recognise those who support junior football clubs.

“In these unprecedented times we appreciate that clubs need all the help they can get, which is why we are extending the deadline for entries.

“Anyone who goes over and above for the club can be nominated; from coaches and caretakers to club secretaries and groundsmen, anyone whose selflessness and commitment allows girls and boys to enjoy football in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment.

“With club sponsorship hard to come by in the best of times and with the added financial pressure facing mums and dads at the moment, Recognition Express wants to offer local teams the chance to start next season on a high note with in a brand new strip, in a design of their choosing.

“As specialists in recognition products, promotional items and branded clothing, it makes sense for us to combine donating a new team strip to a local junior football clubs whilst recognising an unsung hero. It gives us the chance to recognise the contribution these unsung heroes make and give something back to the communities our franchisees serve.”

Anyone can nominate a junior football club hero. The competition is open to all under 16’s junior and juvenile football clubs in England and Scotland.

To enter visit https://www.recognition-express.com/nominate-football-hero and complete the simple entry form.

The competition closes on Thursday 30  April 2020 and the winner will be announced from Monday 11 May.