English League One team Hull City have been cleared to hold training sessions in Scotland despite a ban in place for most Scottish clubs.
Hull are holding a pre-season camp at Oriam in Edinburgh – the training base of Hearts, who were told on Thursday that they must cease their preparations until at least August 24.
Scottish football’s Joint Response Group yesterday enforced a ban on training activity north of the border for all clubs outside of the 12 Premiership sides and Glasgow City, who are preparing for a UEFA Women’s Champions League tie later this month.
This morning, the JRG said because Hull City and Oriam have a private arrangement to use the facilities and the Humberside club do not fall under the jurisdiction of the governing bodies in Scotland, they were clear to continue training in Edinburgh as long as they continue to follow the relevant Coronavirus protocols.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Hearts last night issued a statement claiming they would examine their options after being told to stop their pre-season camp for the next ten days.
In a club statement, they said: “We have done nothing wrong and yet, once again, we are being disproportionately disadvantaged by a decision which has been described as ‘the fairest’.Â
“We should not forget that this situation has come about, not because of Covid-19, but because of behavioural issues, not by our employees but by those of other clubs.
“This delay reflects a lack of confidence that certain clubs will be able to comply and meet the required protocols.
“How can it possibly be ‘fair’ that we should be penalised?”
Three other Scottish Championship clubs were preparing to return to training on Monday, but will now have to postpone their plans by at least a week.
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