PFA’s Craig: We won’t play if it’s still not safe
BY FRASER WILSON
SCOTTISH football will not be moved behind closed doors in a bid to meet UEFA’s vision of finishing domestic campaigns.
That’s the stark warning from PFA Scotland chairman Liam Craig who says unless medical assurances can be provided, players won’t consider playing even in empty stadiums.
UEFA remain committed to finishing the campaign despite there being no end in sight to the coronavirus crisis that has stopped football in its tracks.
One proposal that has been mooted on the continent is closed-doors matches to catch up on the backlog.
But St Johnstone midfielder Craig said: “We made that decision as players and as a union right at the start of this.
“We’ve been ahead of the game in trying to move forward and look at other countries and how it has affected them.
“From a players’ point of view, first and foremost, safety is paramount and there’s no guarantee that with playing behind closed doors you’re going to get that safety.
“Right now, with the government guidelines of social distancing and the SFA guidelines of not even being able to train together, for the time being it’s not even a conversation to have.
“In a few weeks’ time – if circumstances become a bit clearer and the medical evidence is a lot better – then maybe it’s something we can talk about.
“But right now I can’t see it happening.”
UEFA vice-president Michele Uva said on Monday it would be up to respective leagues to decide whether to award titles should the season be scrapped amid the crisis.