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Premiership season is over after clubs agree season can't be completed. Ross County will stay in top flight as a result. Celtic crowned champions while Hearts relegated.


By Will Clark

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The Scottish Premiership season has ended after all 12 clubs agreed that the campaign could not be completed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

All 12 Premiership clubs agreed the season could not be completed.
All 12 Premiership clubs agreed the season could not be completed.

The Premiership has followed the Championship, League One and League Two in deciding the season on a points per game basis with Celtic being crowned champions and Hearts relegated to the Championship.

Ross County will remain in the Premiership this season finishing in 10th place above Hamilton Academical in 11th.

The SPFL says the decision will allow around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat.

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said clubs recognised there was no way the season could be completed.

“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters," he said.

"This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.

“Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time.

"Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Premiership now and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20. The SPFL Board met this morning and in line with the express agreement of member clubs in April, the Board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.

“The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible. Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports. The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our Divisions is due to commence on August 1, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”

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