Covid forfeits 'disappointing day for Scottish football' - Hibs boss Ross
- Published
The awarding of 3-0 victories for Covid protocol breaches was a "disappointing day for Scottish football", according to Hibernian head coach Jack Ross.
St Mirren forfeited two matches and Kilmarnock one after admitting to breaching SPFL rules.
Ross believes the punishment - which also included a suspended £40,000 fine - was too harsh.
"I don't think those clubs have sought to seek any sporting advantage or sought to cut any corners," Ross said.
"I can't believe that for one second and I don't think any of the evidence suggests that.
"Reading some of the breaches they've been found guilty of, like not sitting far enough apart on a coach, I'm sure players have sat closer together on an aeroplane with national teams.
"The SPFL have deemed it a fit punishment. We all have to adhere to that but I think it's a disappointing day for Scottish football when we get to that point."
Motherwell were the main beneficiaries of St Mirren and Kilmarnock's punishment, having had their games against both sides postponed.
Manager Stephen Robinson says he has "sympathy for everybody" despite his side being awarded two victories.
"We're not in control of anything at the moment," said Robinson.
"We plan a training week, you have to cancel it. You train maybe one day a week because, if there's a scare, the whole club has to close down and people get tested.
"It's a very, very difficult situation for everyone, but all we can do is focus on what we're doing and try to keep our protocols at the highest possible standards, which we do."
Hamilton Academical were also given a 3-0 win after their match with St Mirren was also postponed.
Accies boss Brian Rice echoed the sentiments of his Motherwell counterpart, adding: "Yesterday shows there can be severe repercussions. I think that's common sense, yesterday'decision makes us all very aware of what could happen.
"We've obviously benefitted from what happened but it just shows you that we've got to be vigilant, abide by the rules, and every club is doing that now, but it's nothing to do with us."
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Scotland has approached the SPFL for comment.