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Forfar Athletic awarded 3–0 win in League Cup group stage as Ross County Covid cases force call-off


By Andrew Henderson

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Ross County's League Cup opener against Forfar Athletic has officially been cancelled due to the positive Covid-19 cases in the Staggies camp.

County had been due to travel to Station Park to get the group stage under way, but instead The Loons will be awarded a 3–0 win.

Forfar were actually victims of the same rule last year when they were one of three teams who could not fulfil fixtures because of Covid-19.

In their case, Dundee benefited from the 3–0 "victory", with Falkirk also beating Kilmarnock and Hamilton beating Albion Rovers in the same manner.

At least eight County players were believed to be affected by the positive tests, with non-playing staff affected as well, and with a small squad at manager Malky Mackay's disposal anyway as he continues to rebuild the side it would have been impossible to field 11 players this weekend.

Ross County reported a number of positive Covid-19 tests earlier this week.
Ross County reported a number of positive Covid-19 tests earlier this week.

The club had reacted quickly to news of the cases, shutting down all football operations and closing the club shop on Tuesday. The football department in Dingwall still has not reopened, but the shop and other functions are back running again.

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 1 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.”


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