Coronavirus: Fife Flyers' season ends immediately

The threat posed by coronavirus has prompted the Elite League to scrap the remainder of its season.

It also confirmed two teams – un-named – have players self-isolating as a precautionary measure.

That development, plus restrictions on crowds of over 500 at public events in Scotland coming into force from Monday, left the league with no alternative.

The regular season will not be completed, and there will be no play-offs or championship weekend in Nottingham in April.

Fife Flyers were due to travel to play Coventry Blaze tonight, and then return to Kirkcaldy for Saturday’s game against Glasgow Clan. They also had two nights scheduled in Belfast next weekend.

The club had announced plans to proceed with Saturday’s game but had already postponed a match against Coventry slated for March 28 when they were overtaken by the league-wide cancellation of all matches.

The EIHL staged an emergency conference call last night to discuss the crisis.

A statement said: “League chiefs had hoped to complete the regular season and in the wake of last evening’s government guidelines, based on the up-to-the-minute scientific advice to allow sporting fixtures to continue, that seemed possible.

“League bosses staged an emergency conference call after the Government’s latest announcement on the coronavirus outbreak. Impending restrictions on crowd sizes in Scotland were an issue that was being further considered overnight.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus-more-fife-care-homes-announce-restrictions-2448936

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/football/raith-rovers-postpone-sale-challenge-cup-final-tickets-over-coronavirus-fears-2448858

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/tributes-after-death-former-torbain-minister-peter-macdonald-244845

“However, since then two teams have now reported they have players in self-isolation purely as a precaution but the health and safety of our fans, players and staff has to be paramount.”

It added: “In the wake of that news the Elite league has no choice but to shut down the rest of the season.

“Whilst the outcome is sure to disappointment fans across the country there was no alternative in these unprecedented times.

Flyers have also shelved its annual awards event which was scheduled to take place on Sunday,. March 29.