Scotland under-19s match against England abandoned in first half

A friendly match between Scotland and England’s under-19 teams was abandoned before half-time as a Covid-19 precaution after a Scottish coach tested positive for coronavirus.

England were leading 3-1 with two minutes still to be played in the first half when the match referee brought the game to a halt.

It has been reported that a member of the backroom staff received a positive result from a coronavirus test so play was stopped immediately in line with the guidelines.

A brief statement from the Scottish FA read: “We can confirm Scotland U19s match against England at St. George’s Park this afternoon was abandoned in the first half as a precaution in line with COVID-19 protocol. We are not in a position to comment further at this time”.

But the national association later confirmed it was Scotland coach Billy Stark who tested positive.

A spokesperson said: ” The under-19s squad and backroom team all delivered negative Covid-19 tests on Sunday to enable them to play in today’s match against England.

“Three players based in England joined-up with the squad yesterday – and they and the rest of the squad were tested again with a view to Sunday’s second match. The three players had been in isolation and had no contact with anyone else.

“None the less, despite testing negative during Sunday’s test, the head coach, Billy Stark, returned a positive test for Covid-19 this afternoon. The result of the second test was immediately relayed to the under-19 team manager and the game was abandoned immediately, in line with established Covid-19 protocol.

“Billy will now travel home in isolation and will self-isolate for 10 days. The playing group and the rest of the backroom team will undertake precautionary self-isolation for 14 days, whilst the Scottish Government undertakes a formal risk assessment to assess who Stark was in close contact with during the camp.

“Scotland Under-19s game against England on Sunday has now been postponed along with the scheduled Under-17s match at St. George’s Park on Saturday.

“We apologise to The FA for any inconvenience caused and reiterate our commitment to the health and safety of all our international players and staff.”