Kilmarnock coronavirus cases rise to six putting Motherwell match in doubt

A general view of the BBSP Stadium, home of Kilmarnock FC, where six positive Covid cases have been identified. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Kilmarnock have confirmed that a further three players have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of cases at the club to six and throwing tonight's Scottish Premiership match against Motherwell into doubt.

The SPFL has said it will await further information from the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board’s Test and Protect team before deciding whether the match can take place at Rugby Park as scheduled.

Killie's preparations for the game were already impacted by three positive tests from a first batch of weekly testing with the secondary round of testing confirming three more infections.

Earlier on Thursday, manager Alex Dyer said his squad were "in limbo".

In a statement last night, the club said: "Kilmarnock Football Club can confirm a further three individuals have recorded positive tests for COVID-19 following today’s round of testing.

"In addition to the three positive tests recorded by the club earlier this week, this means six players in total have now tested positive and will require to self-isolate as per Scottish Government guidelines.

"The three individuals who have recorded positive tests today will now be the subject of NHS testing.

"Discussions will take place between the club and NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board’s Test and Protect team tomorrow morning to determine the implications of the test results for our Premiership fixture against Motherwell.

"The health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains paramount and we wish all those affected a speedy recovery."

The SPFL's Joint Response Group announced the news on their website, saying: "The Joint Response Group has tonight been informed by Kilmarnock FC that three further players have tested positive for COVID-19.

"This means six players in total have now tested positive and will require to self-isolate as per Scottish Government guidelines.

"The SPFL is awaiting further information from Kilmarnock FC and Ayrshire and Arran Health Board’s Test and Protect team tomorrow morning to determine the implications of the test results for tomorrow’s Premiership fixture against Motherwell.

"The league body will make further comment upon receipt of that information."