Kelty Hearts have been crowned champions after the Lowland League declared their season over.
The board of the fifth-tier body has opted to ‘call’ their campaign and follow the lead of their counterparts in the Highland League, who handed their title to Brora Rangers last month following the suspension of all football on March 13.
Lowland League officials were eager not to make a snap decision and have taken their time to come to a ruling.
However, after extensive talks involving all clubs, and with the SPFL proposal pushing to cancel the remaining fixtures in the three leagues above, agreement has been reached to call a halt to the season.
A statement read: “The board of the SLFL have today decided to end the league competition with immediate effect.
“The board took into account the points-per-game average based on the standings at the cessation of football on the March 13 and, as such, have declared that Kelty Hearts are this season’s champion club.
“Furthermore, the board would like to make it clear that it feels that no member club should be disadvantaged by the current health crisis we face and, as such, there will be no relegation from the SLFL in season 2019/20.
“We are aware of the implications for our fellow pyramid leagues, the East of Scotland Football League and South of Scotland Football League, and will announce contingency plans to cover this in due course.”
Kelty are managed by former Rangers and Scotland captain Barry Ferguson.
Last month Ferguson’s No2 Bob Malcolm insisted they didn’t want to win the title on a technicality.
He said: “Kelty have brought in players to win the league but we want to do it the right way.
“We’re six points clear, but we still have to play Bonnyrigg again, who are just behind us with a game in hand.
“You can’t just hand us the league title. If that decision is made you would accept it but it still wouldn’t feel right.
“I’d be delighted for everyone at the club but a part of you would feel it would be a bit tainted.
“I don’t want people looking back at the history books and there is an asterisk beside your achievements.”
