Scotland handed Fair Play boost as six SPL teams head for Europe

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Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has welcomed official confirmation from UEFA that Scotland have earned a sixth European place via the Fair Play League.

 

UEFA today published their full table, which puts Scotland in third place behind Norway and Denmark, with all three countries earning an extra spot in Europe.

 

Motherwell lead St Mirren and Hibernian in the SFA's own fair play table and the top team at the end of the season will take part in the first qualifying round of the new Europa League on July 2, with the second leg a week later.

 

The SFA take into account a range of criteria, including yellow and red cards, crowd behaviour, the actions of club officials and match reports by SPL delegates.

 

In a statement, Smith said: 'It is great news, a tremendous reflection on the game in Scotland.

 

'Winning the extra place in Europe shows what fair play can achieve and sends out a strong message to thousands of boys and girls who play football in Scotland.

 

'We now have six teams representing Scotland in Europe next season, more than ever before.

 

'While the recognition is good, it is vitally important that the teams taking part get the right results so we can continue to improve our national co-efficient.

 

We won't be able to announce who is getting the place until the end of the season.

 

'However, we will keep in touch with all the clubs who are in the running so they can at least put provisional plans in place.

 

'One thing is for sure, for one Scottish club it is going to be a very short close season.'

 

Falkirk have already qualified for the Europa League after reaching the Homecoming Scottish Cup final, while Hearts, Dundee United and Aberdeen are battling for the two spots available through the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

 

Celtic and Rangers will take part in the Champions League, with the SPL champions going straight into the group stages.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1180538/Scotland-handed-Fair-Play-boost-SPL-teams-head-Europe.html

[Gribz 841]

I still cant believe Falkirk have qualified already. If they win the cup then thats fair but for them to be in europe and probably get relegated with losing the cup final is wrong IMO.