MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 10:46:04| >> :600:186458:186458:

SPFL ask three clubs to explain coronavirus testing measures

The Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League's Joint Response Group have written to the clubs.

Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian have all been asked to detail their Covid-19 testing protocols after after pre-season games were cancelled and delayed this week.

The Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League's Joint Response Group (JRG) have written to the three Scottish Premiership clubs seeking clarification on the procedures used to keep track on the spread of the virus.

It comes after St Mirren were forced into lockdown after seven members of the Paisley club's backroom staff were confirmed to have contracted coronavirus.

As a result, Scottish Premiership clubs have been ordered to reintroduce twice-weekly testing for the first time since July 8.

Gers and Well were forced to delay Wednesday night's Ibrox friendly by two hours when results of Tests carried out on Monday failed to arrive on time for the scheduled 6pm start.

Sport Coronavirus
Wednesday's friendly at Ibrox was delayed (PA)

Both squads came back negative but the JRG is now looking for answers after it emerged several members of Steven Gerrard's Light Blues first-team had played earlier that day for Rangers B in a bounce game against Dundee United.

Hibs were also forced to cancel Saturday's training-ground clash with Ross County at late notice when their tests results arrived late.

The JRG is keen to ensure Scotland's top flight clubs are following correct guidelines and are seeking an explanation from the three clubs in order to reassure the Scottish Government that rules are not being breeched ahead of the Scottish Premiership kick-off on August 1.

Ian Maxwell File Photo
Ian Maxwell has warned that the failure to adhere to testing procedures could put the start of the new season at risk (PA)

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has already warned that the failure to adhere to testing procedures could put the start of the new season at risk.

In a letter to clubs, he wrote: "We have been able to negotiate a dispensation for Premiership first-team squads to return however all involved should be under no illusions that breaches of the agreed parameters will lead to the Scottish Government removing our exemption, having a catastrophic impact on our game.

"Please ensure all staff and players are reminded of their responsibilities on an ongoing basis."

ID:407741: cacheID:407741:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5311:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Scottish government "encouraged" by clubs' response to coronavirus test lag
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Motherwell168172226-425
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren176382228-621
7Dundee165472729-219
8Kilmarnock174581834-1617
9Hibernian173682129-815
10Ross County173681333-2015
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!