Hearts cancel Berwick friendly after Covid outbreak in squad

Hearts have been forced to cancel their pre-season friendly against Berwick Rangers after a Covid-outbreak in the squad.

The team were due to play their first friendly of the summer at Shielfield Park on Friday night as the Championship winners prepare for their upcoming League Cup ties and their return to the Premiership.

Testing of the playing squad has shown that five players have returned positive tests for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating. As a result, the club cancelled the friendly and could also miss their scheduled game against Linlithgow Rose on Saturday.

A club statement read: “Hearts’ pre-season friendly match against Berwick Rangers tonight has been cancelled due to positive Covid-19 tests at the club’s training base.

“Five members of Hearts’ football department are now self-isolating in line with Covid-19 guidelines after returning positive lateral flow and PCR tests.

“The club immediately contacted the relevant football authorities upon confirmation of each positive test and it continues to follow protocols to the highest of standards.

“We have also kept our opponents fully informed and it is with regret to our supporters that we will not begin our pre-season friendly campaign as scheduled.

“An update on the club’s friendly match with Linlithgow Rose, scheduled for Saturday 26th, will be provided in due course.”

Hearts first competitve match is in the League Cup on July 10, when they travel to Balmoor to face Peterhead.