DUNFERMLINE'S upcoming Betfred Cup clash with Kilmarnock is in doubt this afternoon after the Ayrshire club reported six positive tests for Coronavirus.

Stevie Crawford's side are due to travel to Rugby Park a week on Tuesday (October 13) for their third match of the competition.

However, it has been confirmed by the SFA/SPFL Coronavirus Joint Response Group (JRG) that the entire Killie squad should self-isolate for a 14-day period.

That would include the date of their match with the Pars, and the SPFL board are meeting this afternoon to discuss implications for Kilmarnock's upcoming fixtures.

A statement from the JRG read: "The Joint Response Group has received further information on the situation at Kilmarnock FC based on a meeting this morning led by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Public Health, and including representatives from the club, Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish FA.

"NHS Ayrshire & Arran Test and Protect Team carried out COVID-19 contact tracing following the six confirmed positive tests at the club.

"As a result, the club has been advised by the local Problem Assessment Group that the whole playing squad should self-isolate for a 14-day period. This is in order to minimise the risk of further cases in the staff group and wider local community and to support Test and Protect.

"The SPFL Board are meeting this afternoon to discuss the implications for Kilmarnock’s fixtures within that period and will issue a statement thereafter."

In relation to the tournament and current Covid-19 protocols, the SPFL said previously: "To minimise the risk of transmission to Premiership players, any team drawn against a Premiership club in the Betfred Cup this season will be required to swab-test their players in the 168-hour period prior to that Betfred Cup fixture, with results provided to the League by midday two days prior to the tie.

"As with Premiership league fixtures, any players who test positive would be required to self-isolate and would not be able to take part in the tie.

"If a club is unable or unwilling to field a team in a Betfred Cup Round 1 group stage tie, or fails to provide sufficient negative test results, the club concerned will forfeit the match (on the basis of a 3-0 defeat)."

Dunfermline open their Group E fixtures at Dumbarton this Tuesday, before facing Falkirk at East End next Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Kelty Hearts will play St Johnstone at New Central Park on Wednesday evening.