ST MIRREN have released a statement expressing the club's delight after their appeal to the SPFL to have their 3-0 walkover defeats against Motherwell and Hamilton were successfully overturned.

After an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Paisley club in October, the Buddies were unable to field a team for the Premiership fixtures as they did not have a fit goalkeeper available for selection.

The SPFL initially sanctioned Jim Goodwin's side by awarding a 3-0 walkover victory to each of their opponents and handing the club a suspended fine of £40,000.

Kilmarnock suffered a similar outbreak around the same time and were also unable to field a team against the Steelmen, with the Fir Park club being awarded another 3-0 win and fined.

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However, St Mirren and Kilmarnock then lodged an appeal with the SPFL - resulting in Motherwell and Accies being stripped of the points awarded to them, pending the outcome of the hearing.

The parties met on Thursday evening for the SPFL's judicial panel to hear the appeal, with St Mirren being informed on Friday afternoon that it had been successful.

The games in question will be rescheduled for a later date and the fine has been reduced to £20,000 with £10,000 suspended.

A statement on the St Mirren website read: "St Mirren Football Club is delighted at the decision of the judicial panel at the appeal hearing. The club thanks the panel for their review of the case and their determination that the sanctions handed out by the SPFL Tribunal was excessive and inappropriate.

"The decision of the appeal hearing that the matches be rearranged is a victory for common sense and the reduction of the fine from £40,000 suspended to £20,000 with £10,000 suspended is acknowledged by the club.

"The challenges facing everyone throughout this difficult time have never been underestimated by the club and, the club recognises that it will always strive to do its utmost to protect its players, staff and as soon as is safe, its loyal supporters.

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"The club wishes to thank all of the supporters of St Mirren for their unwavering loyalty and dedication to the team and the club as we navigated through this process. The messages of support have encouraged the club to stand fast and fight against the injustice that was placed upon the club.

"We hope that as we progress through this difficult time, no other club faces the trials and tribulations that St Mirren and Kilmarnock FC have gone through and instead a common sense and supportive approach is taken by governing bodies to support members in unprecedented times."