Ross County were forced to forfeit their Premier Sports Cup tie at Forfar Athletic this Saturday due to positive Covid cases within the squad.
It has been reported that as many as eight players and coaches have been affected by the virus, making it unfeasible to field a team in what would have been Malky Mackay’s first competitive match in charge.
This development means the SPFL board has awarded a 3-0 win to Forfar Athletic after County informed the SPFL that a number of players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19 and they could not fulfil the fixture.
An SPFL statement said: “After discussions with the Elite Sports Clinical Advisory Group, Ross County have confirmed that they do not have sufficient players available to fulfil the fixture.”
An SPFL spokesman said: “Consistent with the announcements in respect of similar issues in the group stage of last year’s competition, any team unable or unwilling to field a team in a Premier Sports Cup round one group stage tie, will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat. Accordingly, Forfar Athletic have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie.
“This announcement demonstrates the continuing threat of disruption to SPFL competitions by Covid-19, particularly given the current levels of transmission of the virus throughout the country.
We wish the affected players and staff the very best in their recovery and will continue to liaise with Ross County in the coming days.”
🚨REMINDER🚨
Season Ticket Holders can claim their free tickets for our home matches against Dundee & Montrose in the Premier Sports Cup now!
Club Shop open 10.00am-4.00pm daily or call 01349 860 860 pic.twitter.com/iG6PwwB4th
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) July 8, 2021
Boss Mackay said after the 5-0 friendly win at Elgin City on Saturday, that they need to bolster numbers because the bench was packed full of youngsters, albeit highly-rated kids.
County will now regroup, recover and target their home Premier Sports Cup match against Dundee a week on Sunday as their launchpad for the season.
Club shop open and season tickets selling
Off the pitch, the club have confirmed it is very much business as usual, with the club shop full open and season tickets and merchandise selling well.
FYI ⚽️💙
Just to confirm that the club shop is now back open and season tickets remain on-sale online and via the ticket office 🎫
The shop was only closed temporarily to allow staff to be fully tested.#staggies pic.twitter.com/3iBXzoZOHG
— ROSS COUNTY FC – SLO 🏴🇺🇦 (@RCFC_SLO) July 8, 2021
This morning’s statement from County said: “It is with regret that Saturday’s away fixture in the Premier Sports Cup to Forfar Athletic has been cancelled due to some COVID infection within out football department.
“We are working hard with all authorities to reopen our football department later next week.
“It is business as usual for administration, ticketing and club shop.
“The club will continue to keep supporters updated in the coming days.”
- County season ticket holders can claim their free tickets for the home Premier Sports Cup ties against Dundee and Montrose by phoning 01349 860860 or by visiting the club shop, which is open 10am until 6pm
