SNS GroupHibs’ next two Premiership matches against Ross County and Livingston have been postponed following a significant Covid outbreak at the club.
The games, which were due to take place on Wednesday, November 3 and Saturday, November 6 respectively, have been called off following discussions with the SPFL, NHS Lothian and the clubs.
Hibs said the decision was made after a significant number of first team players, staff, and development squad players tested positive over the last few days.
A statement said: “By following all the guidelines, we wouldn’t be able to field a team for either game, which has led us to no other alternative than to postpone the fixtures.
“The individuals will not be named due to medical confidentiality and those affected will now self-isolate in-line with the protocol.
“We are in constant discussions with NHS Lothian to reduce the spread of Covid and HTC has subsequently been closed for a deep clean. We have also undergone an internal investigation regarding the outbreak and are confident in our processes.”
Two Hibs players tested positive on Saturday morning, meaning they could not field a team against Ross County given the number of close contacts.
The rearranged match scheduled for Wednesday night in Dingwall is now also off, as well as Saturday’s clash with Livingston in West Lothian.
Rules state that clubs need 13 players, including one goalie, to fulfil a fixture and ten of them must be aged 18 or older.
Hibs successfully argued they could not field a squad with 10 players aged 18 or older in those fixtures.
The club said: “We will continue to take every precaution necessary as the safety of our players and staff is of absolute importance.
“We would also like to apologise to our supporters who have made plans to attend the re-arranged fixture at Ross County.
“We made our thoughts incredibly clear to the SPFL before the fixture was re-arranged, and it took them until today, after more positive tests were recorded and several meetings, to make the right decision, which we thank them for.”
“We will put out further details regarding away tickets purchased for both Ross County and Livingston in due course.
“We’d like to thank all our supporters for their understanding.”
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