MX23RW : Sunday, November 17 10:37:25| >> :600:512690:512690:

Coronavirus: Dunfermline chiefs plead with fans not to seek compensation

The Pars almost went bust in 2013.

Desperate Dunfermline chiefs have pleaded with fans not to seek compensation if Scottish football authorities decided to scrap the rest of the season.

The Pars almost went bust in 2013 before they were rescued by supporters but the club's current board are worried the coronavirus crisis could send them spiralling again.

The Scottish Football Association has suspended all domestic action until at least the end of April but with the virus not set to peak until the summer, there are no guarantees the campaign will ever be completed.

And that has sparked alarm at East End Park, with Pars chiefs worried their cash-flow crisis could be exacerbated by claims for refunds from season-ticket holders.

Chairman Ross McArthur said in a statement: "At present, the current season is suspended.

"The football authorities are in regular discussion with the government.

"However, when season 2019/20 is brought to a conclusion, whenever that may be, we would ask our supporters for their cooperation and understanding not to seek compensation in respect of any of the games which may not be allowed to be played."

McArthur has also announced the Pars are closing down East End Park for six weeks in order to protect the Ladbrokes Championship outfit's coffers.

Club office staff will work from home but the Fifers' home ground has been put on lockdown until the end of April.

"Dunfermline Athletic faces substantial financial challenges," McArthur added. "Virtually all of our anticipated incomes streams are frozen.

"We will be unable to hold the last three league games at East End Park in the scheduled manner, and hospitality, catering and private functions at the ground have now been curtailed.

"This will damage the cash flow of the football club, particularly as we have very limited options in dealing with the many fixed costs we carry as a football club.

"It is therefore necessary for us to put in place immediately an emergency contingency plan which will address our finances and also make sure we do not place at risk our loyal staff, volunteers and supporters.

"As from noon on Saturday, East End Park will be locked down completely until the end of April, with all of our facilities being closed.

"All of our administration staff, each of whom has the ability to work from home, will self-isolate, along with our ground staff and playing staff. Only security personnel will be present."

A fighting fund has been set up to support the club through the crisis and McArthur is confident Dunfermline will survive.

He said: "The directors remain firmly behind the club and would much appreciate the support of their fellow Pars fans at this critical time.

"Seven years ago, we came very close to losing our club forever. By working together, we saved Dunfermline Athletic. We know what it takes, and we know we can overcome this situation if we stand together."

ID:393617: cacheID:393617:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5487:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Fernando Torres for Liverpool
Read Next:
Can you name every Spanish player to have scored 10+ goals in the Premier League?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Packers
@
Bears
6pm
Raiders
@
Dolphins
6pm
Colts
@
Jets
6pm
Jags
@
Lions
6pm
Rams
@
Patriots
6pm
Browns
@
Saints
6pm
Ravens
@
Steelers
6pm
Vikings
@
Titans
9.05pm
Seahawks
@
49ers
9.05pm
Falcons
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1FalkirkFalkirk1410222791832
2Livingston148511910929
3Ayr UnitedAyr147432214825
4Partick ThistlePartick14653179823
5Queen's ParkQueen's Park146441615122
6Raith Rovers144371318-515
7Hamilton AcademicalHamilton144371925-615
8Greenock MortonMorton143561119-814
9Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline143381115-412
10AirdrieoniansAirdrieonians141211627-215


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!