Scottish Cup, Academy and Celtic FC Women affected by further Suspension of Football

The Scottish FA have today confirmed that the current suspension of all football in Scotland outside of the Premiership and Championship is to be extended to at least midnight on Sunday 14 February. This impacts the various stages of Celtic Academy and also the Celtic FC Women’s side who have as a result had to postpone more fixtures this afternoon, with the home games against theRangers and Hibs in the first half of February now being postponed, meaning that a total of 5 games have had to be postponed due to this Covid caused suspension of football.

“Confirmation that the current suspension of football will continue until midnight Sunday 14 February.
Home games against Rangers (7 February) and Hibernian (14 February) to be postponed, with a further update from the governing body to follow on Wednesday 10 February,” Celtic FC Women tweeted.

Here is the latest information from the Scottish FA which also includes details on this season’s Scottish Cup.

Scottish FA – Update on the suspension of football

The Scottish FA has this week undertaken extensive consultation with representatives of leagues and clubs affected by the temporary suspension announced on Monday, 11 January 2021.

This process has been beneficial in understanding the specific challenges faced by clubs at those levels within the men’s and women’s games, in particular understanding the key components required to facilitate return to play within each competition when it is safe to do so.

Given that current lockdown measures implemented by the First Minister will now remain in place across Scotland until at least the middle of February, the existing temporary suspension of football will be extended until midnight on Sunday, 14 February. This affects leagues with predominantly part-time clubs – although a number of full-time clubs have been affected.

The Scottish FA will continue to work with those affected to develop league and division- specific plans for a return to training and playing, including adequate training and conditioning time. Those circumstances vary across our game and will be kept under constant review with any restart of the game likely to happen on a progressive basis.

The Scottish Cup has been further delayed…(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A further update will be communicated by Wednesday, 10 February.

The Scottish Cup Fourth Round fixtures scheduled for 20 February will not now go ahead, and all ties will be rescheduled and information communicated in due course. Consequently, Saturday, 20 February can be released as a fixture date for league matches.

The Scottish FA will continue to work with Scottish Professional Football League colleagues to accommodate the dislocated Scottish Cup fixtures when it is deemed safe and practical to do so.

Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “The conversations we have had with representatives from the clubs and leagues affected by the temporary suspension have been hugely beneficial. We have been able to further communicate the rationale behind the decision in the midst of an ongoing pandemic whilst also hearing at first hand the most important issues facing clubs and leagues at each level of the game.

Moi and Kris with the Scottish Cup in December 2020

“We have also been greatly encouraged by the sense of togetherness shown by the clubs and the robustness with which protocols and measures have been implemented in the interests of player and staff safety within football.

“A number of initiatives have been suggested which may help to make the eventual return to playing efficient without compromising safety.

“The decision to extend the suspension is necessary given the Scottish Government’s own extension of existing lockdown measures. Football will play its part to support the collective effort to reduce the spread of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

“We are grateful for the input of all groups involved in our online discussions this week and we will continue to liaise ahead of our next public update on February 10th.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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