THE people of Paisley must have gone to bed last night wondering what they have done to deserve quite the week they had.
Just days after money was stolen from the church of the town's patron saint, its football team were forced to postpone their return to Premiership action following another Covid-19 outbreak.
St Mirren's clash at home to Motherwell fell victim to the virus just hours before kick-off yesterday after it was revealed the Saints had only eight outfield players available.
Jim Goodwin's men must have felt like the unluckiest side in Scotland when a fourth player tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday morning, joining three team-mates from the week in isolation.
The latest case also forced several squad members into quarantine, giving bosses in Renfrewshire little option but to plead with the SPFL for a postponement.
Tony Fitzpatrick, St Mirren's chief executive, said : "It is very disappointing that we are faced with this situation despite the numerous precautions and safeguards that are in place within the club.
"As a result we regret this has caused our game against Motherwell to be postponed.
"This is hugely frustrating for our fans, the players and staff, and for everyone connected with the club.
"We will be working with the SPFL and relevant health authorities on this matter and will provide an appropriate update when more information is available.
"This once again underlines the absolute necessity of maintaining vigilance to ensure that players, officials and their families minimise the risk of infection to keep everyone safe.”
The Buddies are not new to Covid-19 drama, nor, for that matter, are their unlucky guests Motherwell.
St Mirren were just last month forced to play despite losing three goalkeepers, whilst the Steelmen's most recent Premiership match against Kilmarnock was also postponed following an outbreak in Ayrshire.
What happens to the three points now is anyone's guess with the teams now awaiting on further instructions from the league.
In a statement, Motherwell added: "St Mirren have told the league that, due to a number of positive tests for Covid-19 amongst their playing squad and coaching staff, they have only 12 registered fit players, including four goalkeepers, available the match.
"We will await further guidance from the league."
The SPFL said in a statement: "This afternoon’s Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Motherwell has been postponed after St Mirren informed the SPFL that they could not fulfil the fixture.
"St Mirren have informed the SPFL that, due to a number of positive tests for Covid-19 amongst their playing squad and coaching staff, they have only 12 registered fit players, including four goalkeepers, available for today’s game against Motherwell – and that, as a result, St Mirren are unable to fulfil today’s fixture.
"As a result, and in line with standard procedure, the SPFL have postponed the fixture pending an investigation into the events at St Mirren."
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