Dons players give Celtic the advantage ahead of league tie
Eight players to miss league game against Celtic due to positive COVID-19 tests.
With around two weeks to go until Celtic welcome Aberdeen to Parkhead on the 15th of this month, the nine-in-a-row champions have been given a significant boost with the news that EIGHT of the Dons’ first team players will miss the next two weeks of action after it was confirmed that two of their players tested positive for COVID-19.
It has been rumoured that a number of Dons players went out on the ran-dan after their 1-0 defeat to Rangers last weekend, and following tests this week two of the players have now been told to isolate for ten days, while those who had been in ‘close proximity’ with them told to self-isolate for 14 days per Scottish Government and NHS Scotland guidelines.
The strict lockdown guidelines have been put in place to contain a potential second wave sweeping through the Scottish populace and the rumoured actions of the Dons players has not only put themselves at risk, but also their loved ones, and those who have regularly contact with them.
The eight players will miss this weekend’s trip to Perth to play St.Johnstone, the midweek fixture against Hamilton and the trip to Celtic Park on the 15th.
Following the declaration of two positive tests, Aberdeen club chairman, Dave Cormack said: “After Saturday’s game, with all eyes on Pittodrie, we were once again commended on the stringent processes and measures we had in place. Given the efforts of everyone at the Club and our investment in protecting our most valuable assets, this is a bitter blow.
“With two first team players testing positive for COVID-19, plus six others having to isolate for 14 days, it is also a harsh reminder of the severity and speed of spread of this virus.
“The club will be carrying out a full investigation but, as an immediate first step, we have reinforced the Club’s COVID-19 protocols and the governing bodies’ guidance with every player and member of staff and will continue to regularly educate and remind everyone of what is, and what is not, acceptable in the current climate.
“We now have to focus on preparing for Saturday’s game under extremely difficult circumstances.”
While it is understandable that many would call for the game to be postponed, the eight players are now deemed to be ‘unavailable’ for the game - as if they were injured or suspended. And while we live in challenging and strange times, if players breach strict guidelines then it not only falls on their head but also impacts their club as Aberdeen will see in the next three games.
If the rumours are true, Aberdeen will almost certainly come down hard on the players as they put their own selfish needs before the safety of others and the club itself.
But from a St.Johnstone, Hamilton Accies, and Celtic point of view - it will be advantage them in what is almost certainly going to be an horrific start to the season for the Pittodrie side.
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