THE Scottish Professional Football League has hit back at criticism from Raith Rovers after the Championship club fielded Ryan Stevenson as a goalkeeper during Tuesday's defeat to Ayr United.
Rovers boss John Hughes said the SPFL should be 'embarrassed' for rejecting the club's appeal for a postponement after the Stark's Park outfit were left with no fit goalkeepers.
Kevin Cuthbert, Aaron Lennox and Connor Brennan were all carrying injuries ahead of the 1-0 defeat to Ayr in which midfielder Ryan Stevenson was forced to pull on the gloves.
The Honest Men's win meant they moved to within a point of eighth-placed Rovers, but the SPFL hit back at criticism from manager Hughes.
"Raith Rovers had a number of options open to them once their only fit goalkeeper was injured," it said.
"They could have brought in an under-21 goalkeeper, or an out-of-contract goalkeeper of any age, in each case without any permission from the SPFL board.
"They could also have sought permission from the SPFL board to bring in a goalkeeper of any age on an emergency basis.
"All of these options were explained to Raith Rovers, who chose to do none of these things and instead requested a postponement on the day of the match."
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