CLUBS throughout the West of Scotland Football League have been told they must pack up the training kit until August 24.
Under new rules agreed by the Joint SFA/SPFL Response Group to prevent further coronavirus chaos, all clubs outwith the Scottish Premiership will NOT be allowed to train until this date.
The news was contained in a missive sent out from the JRP this afternoon in the wake of the Covid-19 rule breaches at Premiership sides Aberdeen and Celtic.
The Dons Covid 8 and Boli Bolingoli’s actions nearly led to a pause in the resumption of Scottish football altogether.
But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refrained from showing the red card, instead just brandishing a booking but making it clear the game is on its last warning.
First, eight Aberdeen players attended a busy city centre pub – with two testing positive for the deadly virus and a further six required to self-isolate.
Then, Belgian left back Bolingoli failed to tell Hoops bosses he visited Spain for one day and failed to quarantine for a fortnight upon his arrival back home before training and playing against Kilmarnock.
The Scottish Government warned SPFL bosses in no uncertain terms to draw up rules to prevent no further breaches.
And WoSFL clubs are part of the blow to lower league sides until August 24 at the earliest.
Confirming the news, a spokesperson for the JRG said: “ The JRP has worked to ensure the existing rules will be strengthened to include the provision of sanctions for players who do not adhere to Covid-specific football protocols or government public health guidelines.
“This will encompass recent breaches and further details will be provided tomorrow.
“EVALUATION – In order to provide government health officials with the necessary confidence that Scottish football can return safely and in accordance with relevant government guidelines and football protocols, the Scottish FA has agreed that the return to training for clubs outwith the SPFL Premiership – which includes all organised adult football over-18 - will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th.
“This is to ensure that: All club facilities comply with the current JRG Protocols, social distancing and hygiene measures. All club policies and procedures comply with the current protocols and government guidance. Club testing regimes in the professional game comply with the protocols. Players and staff at all levels of the game have been reminded of the latest government guidance.”
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