Motherwell boss Robinson critical of SFA points-stripping appeal announcement

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson questioned the SFA's timing after the governing body announced the date for Kilmarnock and St Mirren's Covid-19 appeals on the morning of an important Scottish Premiership game.

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Motherwell at Tannadice Stadium on December 26, 2020, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Just hours before the Boxing Day fixture with Dundee United, the Scottish Football Association announced the appeals over the SPFL's independent tribunals decision to award two 3-0 wins to Motherwell in the wake of coronavirus regulations breached by the two clubs which led to the postponement of Scottish Premiership games in October.

Motherwell had the six points taken from their total after the SPFL's decision to forfeit matches was suspended, pending the outcome of the appeal which will be heard on January 14.

Robinson has no issue with the appeal process but was perplexed the date of it was announced on the morning of their league encounter at Tannadice, which finished 1-1.

He said: "The timing of the SFA's announcement was well thought out wasn't it? The day of a game? Maybe people could use their brains and announce it on a Monday - I'm certain they didn't meet on Christmas Day.

"We haven't shouted or screamed about points or not having points. We haven't done anything wrong and are willing to play the games as we always were.

"We are not in control of that and have never shouted our mouths off.

"I have got to be careful of what I say - but the announcement on the day of a game isn't ideal.”

However the manager admitted the news breaking did not appear to disrupt the Steelmen on Tayside.

"Based on the performance it didn't affect the players,” he added. "It was a brilliant performance and we had enough chances to win two or three games.

"If people actually use their brains then great - that announcement doesn't have any impact on a Monday.

"I don't think a lot of nous has been used in that announcement."

Motherwell were on course to win their first game in eight following Tony Watt's first-half opener but they were pegged back in injury time when Dundee United sub Nicky Clark grabbed an equaliser.

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