The coronavirus is being talked about every day. It’s on the news, discussed in the street and has been the subject of meetings between multiple sporting organisations. The threat of matches being played behind closed doors is very possible. Indeed, Neil Doncaster said as much yesterday, when he admitted to the BBC that if even one team had a player infected with the illness, it would make finishing the season “very difficult.”
Only a handful of positive cases have been found in Scotland, so there’s no need for panic yet. However, Celtic have themselves posted an update on the club’s official website.
The statement read the following:
IN light of the current spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) cases, Celtic Football Club is pleased to share the recent statement made by footballing authorities the SFA and SPFL.
JOINT RESPONSE GROUP STATEMENT
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-football-authorities-form-coronavirus-response-group/?rid=13929
In addition to sharing this information from these authorities, in line with all other organisations, Celtic has also been undertaking its own appropriate proactive measures across all Club operations and venues.
We will continue to take on board all relevant advice from the relevant authorities and will update supporters with any further developments or information should it be necessary.
The joint response group statement, released on the SFA website, can be seen below:
The Scottish football authorities have announced a joint approach to addressing the implications of the coronavirus outbreak.
A response group including the respective Chief Executives of the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League, Ian Maxwell and Neil Doncaster, has been convened to centralise guidance, evaluation and action on the impact the global spread of the virus will have on Scottish football. The group will also include the Scottish FA’s Medical Consultant, Dr John MacLean.
It will have jurisdiction to consider implications for all professional domestic fixtures, domestic cup competitions, and men’s and women’s national team matches across all age groups.
At its first formal discussion this morning, the group has committed to a joint approach to ensure consistent and co-ordinated messaging to supporters, clubs, national teams, players, match officials, staff and other key stakeholders potentially affected by the escalation of the outbreak.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive said: “The safety of everyone involved in attending or participating in a major football event is our foremost consideration and given the developing situation locally and internationally, it is incumbent on the football authorities to speak with one voice in providing guidance and reassurance to stakeholders. This applies to matches hosted here in Scotland but also for teams participating in competitions outwith the country.
“Our Medical Consultant is in regular dialogue with experts and colleagues across the UK and beyond and we will be guided by the U.K. Chief Medical Officer as well as Dr Catherine Calderwood, the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.
“While it is important to stress that the current government advice states the risk to individuals is moderate, nonetheless we are starting to see the impact the spread of the virus is having, with the postponement of sporting events across Europe.
“The response group will co-ordinate activity daily to ensure Scottish football takes the necessary measures to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone involved in the national game amid the outbreak.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “We are in regular dialogue with our counterparts in England and leagues in Europe to share news and best practice on what is clearly a serious and concerning situation.
“At the moment, there have been no indications that match schedules will be affected, but we are monitoring events closely and liaising with the Scottish Government to ensure we are as well prepared as possible.
“Together with the Scottish FA, we will co-ordinate the game’s response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak in a responsible and planned manner. We will obviously update clubs and fans on any developments.”
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