League decide to end season early and award title to leaders

League decide to end season early and award title to leaders, with majority of football currently suspended until at least the 30th of April.

Yes, you read that right, the Highland League have brought their season to an early end and awarded the title to leaders Brora Rangers.

The club are delighted to announce that after today’s Highland League meeting between all clubs that we have been declared league champions for the season 2019/20. This decision was taken in light of the current global health crisis. pic.twitter.com/jJocQmoI9W

— Brora Rangers (@brorarangers) March 21, 2020

THE LEAGUE STATEMENT:

Scottish Highland Football League clubs met today to consider options during the current public health emergency. The clubs are concerned to provide all involved and interested in the Highland League with as much clarity as possible.

The following decisions were made by the meeting:
• That the 2019-20 season be deemed to have concluded on the date that football activity in Scotland was suspended – Friday 13th March 2020
• That Brora Rangers FC be declared Breedon Highland League Champions for 2019-20
• That the latter stages of the Utilita Highland League Cup 2019-20 (semi-finals and final) be held over and played early in the 2020-21 season
• That there be no further matches in the Highland League Youth Development Initiative for the foreseeable future.

The League therefore goes into a form of hibernation until such time as football resumes after the Covid-19 pandemic passes. At that time, the possibilities for creating meaningful competitions in season 2020-2021 will be considered and that, in turn, will depend on when resumption takes place.

Clubs also recognised the valuable support given to its competitions by the Breedon Group and Utilita and wished to place on record their appreciation thereof.

In such a difficult time for all, the meeting was clear in its view that issues much more important than football currently predominate, with health and livelihoods being far more significant.

The meeting heard of a number of instances of clubs putting their shoulder to the resilience wheel and of club staff being very understanding of the financial challenges being faced. This was uplifting and can only be beneficial to the health and well-being of all concerned.

The final message from the League to club members, staff, volunteers and supporters is to stay safe and healthy and we all look forward to getting back to football when the time is right.

——— STATEMENT ENDS ———

Fans gave their reaction as the Highland League decide to end their season early and award the title to the current leaders…

Mature and sensible response to an awful situation. Going to miss Bellslea but wish all players, staff and supporters a safe passage through #COVID2019uk

— John Grant (@crudbay) March 21, 2020

First League I am aware of that has taken this approach. Wonder how many others will have their hands forced to do likewise. I guess if current level of restrictions continue past end of June it becomes increasingly unavoidable

— Thom Scot (@thomscot) March 22, 2020

Congratulations guys and good luck for whatever the future holds?

— Fort William FC (@FortWilliamFC) March 21, 2020

Only right and proper. Now for Celtic to be awarded the title they clearly deserve.
HH
9IAR

What's even funnier is that sevco will b financially crippled when the league starts next season?. They won't b able to invest a penny. That's if they haven't been liquidated…Again?

— Patrick Taylor (@tailsreturns) March 21, 2020

Well done Brora, you deserve it ?????????

— Castlemilk Bhoy ???? (@Victor63503635) March 21, 2020

No doubt the best team in the league this season – all the best??

— Michael (@michaelomeara67) March 21, 2020

Worthy champions ?? ?? … and all things considered a very sensible decision bt the SHFL in the circumstances. Hopefully you get the opportunity to progress via the pyramid ?

— Norfolk and Chance (@AndChance) March 21, 2020

Well done boys ?? great bunch of lads, well deserved ?? ??

— mike fraser (@mikefraserj4k) March 21, 2020

That’s fantastic news and well deserved ???

— John Murray (@johngolspie) March 21, 2020

Congratulations, clearly been the strongest team in @ScottishHFL this season ???

— Craig D (@Donaldo9710) March 21, 2020

In light of the current pandemic I can't believe folk are trying to question this decision when in reality tens of thousands of Scots are going to die from this virus. Get your priorities right guys…this is a Shitstorm, your league positions are not a priority right now!!

— JohnJ (@JJ_CFC1967) March 21, 2020

Terrible day for football – imagine celebrating a non-championship on a day when people are dying. You should be ashamed.

— Gallus Pioneer … null and void (@Gallus__Pioneer) March 21, 2020