Ross County defender blasts talk of virus penalties to affected clubs
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KEITH Watson insists it would be grossly unfair to hammer clubs with points deductions if they fail to fulfil fixtures because of Covid-19 outbreaks.
The experienced Ross County defender spoke out after the possibility was discussed at SPFL board level.
Motherwell coach Maurice Ross also called for clubs unable to raise teams to forfeit matches after his club suffered consecutive postponements, claiming the current system was open to abuse.
Watson, labelled the idea “wrong”, given the indiscriminate nature of the virus and its ability to infiltrate even the most careful of bubbles placed around top clubs in the country.
The 30-year-old defender, preparing for tomorrow’s trip to face Motherwell, said: “It’s difficult to justify punishments like points deductions. It’s harsh. In most cases, it isn’t going to be the club’s fault or that of players affected.
It’s happening all over the country, with players and people in general getting Covid everywhere.
“To cost a team three points in this league is massive. I don’t think it’s the right way to go.”
Ross County now head to Lanarkshire hoping for a repeat of their opening day 1-0 victory over Stephen Robinson’s team in the league.
Having played his part in two 2019 wins at the ground, Watson was optimistic about building on last weekend’s strong defensive showing against Hibs, although County took a 4-1 pounding on their last visit before lockdown in March.
“Our performance in the 0-0 draw with Hibs gives us a lot of confidence,” Watson said.
“The boys were excellent in the first game of the season, but I think Motherwell have picked up since then. We have had a decent record over the years down there at Fir Park so it’s one we are looking forward to. We are confident going into Saturday.”
