Falkirk handed a 3-0 Betfred Cup walkover win after Kilmarnock forfeit tie with squad isolating from positive COVID-19 tests

Kilmarnock’s positive coronavirus tests and self-isolation measures for the first team squad has cost them a Betfred Cup win against Falkirk.

Falkirk were due to host Kilmarnock at The Falkirk Stadium tomorrow night but will now be awarded a 3-0 win with Alex Dyer's team unable to play.

The SPFL has handed the Bairns a 3-0 walkover win with the Ayrshire side unable to contest the fixture – due to be the first of Falkirk’s season.

Six positive COVID-19 tests were reported at Rugby Park last week, leading to the entire first team squad at the club to self-isolate and the subsequent postponement of the scheduled SPFL Premiership match against Motherwell on Friday.

But now, with the players still staying at home and unable to travel to The Falkirk Stadium or play the match, the cup organisers and league governing body have acted.

An SPFL spokesman said: “In anticipation of the enormous pressure on fixtures this season, the Board made clear last month that teams unable or unwilling to field a team in a Betfred Cup Round 1 group stage tie, will forfeit the match on the basis of a 3-0 defeat.

“We have enormous sympathy for players and clubs which are unable to fulfil the fixtures on the scheduled date, but, given the unprecedented challenges facing the game this year, we must maintain the clear position outlined last month in relation to the Betfred Cup first round group stage. Accordingly, Falkirk have been awarded a 3-0 win in the tie.”

Kilmarnock had appealed to have the game rescheduled but this request was rejected by the league board today.

Falkirk were due to start their season with tomorrow night’s game and instead will kick-off the campaign at rivals Dunfermline in Friday night’s televised group stage match.