Three matches postponed after O’Donnell death

In the wake of the shocking death of Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell, three SPL matches have been postponed. First, Motherwell’s next two fixtures have been temporarily dropped, including Wednesday’s match with Hibs and next Sunday’s home game with Celtic. The Celtic match was apparently postponed on request of the O’Donnell family. O’Donnell is a former Celtic man, and was always very well respected and loved by Hoops fans, so that match will be particularly emotional for both sides. In addition, Gretna v. St. Mirren has been put off. Gretna is temporarily ground-sharing at Motherwell’s Fir Park, which is a site of fan remembrances for O’Donnell, and both teams were satisfied to let it serve that purpose alone this week.

Mark McGhee summed up his team’s feelings on getting back to football, in an interview with the BBC:

“Phil was a figurehead to them. He was not just any player, he was the focal point and the senior member of the squad … For any of us to contemplate going on a training ground, never mind a football ground, at this moment is impossible … We are all going to need time to get back to work.”

Category: Scottish Premier League