Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell questioned over Covid testing

Scottish football chiefs have written to Rangers, Motherwell and Hibs with questions about coronavirus testing.

They want an explanation about the Ibrox club’s testing schedule and whether players who took part in a game against Dundee United on Wednesday had received results in time.

The Joint Response Group (JRG) – comprised of officials from the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League – also wrote to Hibs and Motherwell seeking an explanation over delayed test results.

Premiership action is due to return in just eight days’ time.

Clubs have been ordered to revert back to twice-weekly testing after seven members of St Mirren’s coaching staff were found to have Covid-19.

No players are thought to be infected with the virus, but St Mirren’s planned friendly match at home to St Johnstone on Saturday has been cancelled.

The SFA now wants to know why nine players who took part in Rangers’ pre-season tour of France featured in a bounce game against Dundee United on Wednesday afternoon – given that test results were only received 30 minutes before that night’s friendly against Motherwell.

The Rangers v Motherwell match at Ibrox was delayed by two hours and the Fir Park club were asked for an explanation.

Motherwell have provided a detailed response, and STV understands they said the delays were caused by a testing company.

Furthermore, the SFA has asked Hibs to explain a delay in test results that resulted in their friendly against Ross County being cancelled last Saturday.

Hibs and Rangers have also been approached for comment.

St Mirren, who are due to start their competitive campaign at home to Livingston on August 1, last played Hamilton Accies in a friendly on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Hamilton said: “Following the departure of the St Mirren squad on Saturday the area used was cleaned and disinfected.

“The location occupied by St Mirren was a segregated area at the far end of our stadium and is separate from the areas used by Hamilton Accies’ players and staff on a matchday.

“Subsequently on Monday, all players and backroom staff were tested with all results returned negative.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Football Association said: “The Joint Response Group has been notified that St Mirren Football Club has returned seven positive tests for Covid-19.

“We immediately contacted the Scottish Government and the office of the clinical director for Scotland to relay this information.

“As a consequence, St Mirren’s planned friendly match at home to St Johnstone, scheduled to take place on Saturday July 25, has been cancelled.

“In light of this and other recent events, the JRG hereby notifies Scottish Premiership clubs that with immediate effect they must revert to twice-weekly testing protocols until further notice.”