THE people of Paisley must have gone to bed last night wondering what they have done to deserve quite the week they had.
Just days after money was stolen from the church of the town's patron saint, its football team were forced to postpone their return to Premiership action following another Covid-19 outbreak.
St Mirren's clash at home to Motherwell fell victim to the virus just hours before kick-off yesterday after it was revealed the Saints had only eight outfield players available.
Jim Goodwin's men must have felt like the unluckiest side in Scotland when a fourth player tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday morning, joining three team-mates from the week in isolation.
The latest case also forced several squad members into quarantine, giving bosses in Renfrewshire little option but to plead with the SPFL for a postponement.
Tony Fitzpatrick, St Mirren's chief executive, said : "It is very disappointing that we are faced with this situation despite the numerous precautions and safeguards that are in place within the club.
"As a result we regret this has caused our game against Motherwell to be postponed.
"This is hugely frustrating for our fans, the players and staff, and for everyone connected with the club.
"We will be working with the SPFL and relevant health authorities on this matter and will provide an appropriate update when more information is available.
"This once again underlines the absolute necessity of maintaining vigilance to ensure that players, officials and their families minimise the risk of infection to keep everyone safe.”
The Buddies are not new to Covid-19 drama, nor, for that matter, are their unlucky guests Motherwell.
St Mirren were just last month forced to play despite losing three goalkeepers, whilst the Steelmen's most recent Premiership match against Kilmarnock was also postponed following an outbreak in Ayrshire.
What happens to the three points now is anyone's guess with the teams now awaiting on further instructions from the league.
In a statement, Motherwell added: "St Mirren have told the league that, due to a number of positive tests for Covid-19 amongst their playing squad and coaching staff, they have only 12 registered fit players, including four goalkeepers, available the match.
"We will await further guidance from the league."
The SPFL said in a statement: "This afternoon’s Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Motherwell has been postponed after St Mirren informed the SPFL that they could not fulfil the fixture.
"St Mirren have informed the SPFL that, due to a number of positive tests for Covid-19 amongst their playing squad and coaching staff, they have only 12 registered fit players, including four goalkeepers, available for today’s game against Motherwell – and that, as a result, St Mirren are unable to fulfil today’s fixture.
"As a result, and in line with standard procedure, the SPFL have postponed the fixture pending an investigation into the events at St Mirren."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here