Three Hamilton players test positive for coronavirus

Three Hamilton Academical players have tested positive for coronavirus and will now be absent from the club for ten days as they self-isolate.

Four Annan Athletic players have also tested positive for the virus and the club’s planned friendly against Queen of the South has been postponed.

The Accies trio were tested along with the rest of the squad on Monday, in line with the safety protocols for Premiership clubs. All three players were in the squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Livingston.

The affected players were put into isolation immediately and the football operations at the club have been suspended until Wednesday to allow for a deep clean of facilities.

All players and staff will be tested again on their return.

A club statement read: “Hamilton Academical FC can confirm three positive COVID-19 test results. Those effected will now self-isolate in line with Scottish Government and JRG guidelines for ten days.

“As a precaution, first-team and academy operations have been suspended for today whilst we deep clean the building.

“We will return to normal business tomorrow with further tests planned for all players and staff.”

Accies player Lee Hodson was forced to isolate last week as he shared lodgings with St Mirren goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who tested positive.

St Mirren asked for their game against Hibs to be postponed after keeper Dean Lyness also tested positive and fellow goalie Peter Urminsky self-isolated. However, the game did go ahead and Saints drafted in Zdenek Zlamal on emergency loan.

Annan Athletic don’t return to competitive action until the Betfred Cup starts next month but the club are in full training and have been hit with the news that four players will have to isolate.

Club secretary Alan Irving told STV; “I can confirm we have four players who have tested positive for coronavirus.

“The players were training on Tuesday last week. They all got their temperature checked prior to training and all were okay.

“One player didn’t train but also got temperature checked and was okayand he came in to see the physio. He had symptoms on Wednesday and got sent home from his work. On Thursday he got tested and got a positive result back on Friday. The physio is self isolating for 14 days.

“We contacted the football authorities immediately.

“The player in question had travelled to our ground on Tuesday night with three other players. They were contacted, tested (on Friday) and they too were positive. The four players are self isolating.

“All other players have been off since last Friday. We hope they will return to training tomorrow night.

“All of our guys are in the open air. There are no changing rooms – so there’s less chance of contamination.

“We are all entering uncharted waters. The main thing is to be up front.”

The news comes on the day that Aberdeen revealed there will be no test events with fans at SPFL games this weekend.

Aberdeen and Ross County were each permitted 300 fans at their Premiership matches last weekend and the Dons had been hopeful that they would be allowed to increase the attendance to 750 supporters when Motherwell visit on Sunday.

However, the club say there is to be no further testing at this time.

A statement read: “Despite Saturday’s successful trial event at Pittodrie, SPFL clubs have been informed that there will not be any trial events at Scottish Premiership matches this weekend. This means that our plans to welcome an increased number of supporters to Pittodrie for the visit of Motherwell on Sunday will now not go ahead.

“We continue to adhere to and comply with Scottish Government guidance and will work with football authorities to be involved in any future test events which may take place in the coming weeks.

“We have received resoundingly positive feedback from both the supporters in attendance and the authorities following the test match at Pittodrie on Saturday and we will continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to build upon this experience and to help shape any future events.

“As a club we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the supporters who were with us at Pittodrie last weekend and extend our gratitude for their co-operation and willingness to ensure the matchday was a safe environment for all.”