BOHS DENY ANY TRAINING BREACHES
officially return to training until June 8. Phase One in the easing of lockdown restrictions allowed up to four people - who don’t live in the same house - to meet outdoors from May 18.
At the time, FAI chief medical officer Dr Alan Byrne recommended that it should not be seen as a green light for training ahead of June 8.
In a statement last night, Bohs said they “respected Dr Byrne’s advice, expertise and professionalism”.
But the Gypsies continued: “The club made the decision to operate under the guidance of the Government Roadmap and Department of Health guidelines.
“Compliant with those guidelines, Bohemians players have, since Monday May 18, on six separate days, met in groups of three in public parks around the city.
“These groups of players were assembled in a way that respects the 5km travel rule that remains in place.
“Strict measures (groups of three players and one coach while adhering to social distancing) were put in place to enable this to happen in a safe manner.”
Social media footage yesterday evening showed Bohs players operating in two groups at Fr Collins Park in Donaghmede.
Bohs said: “While it was an error to have two groups at the same venue at the same time, a distance of 20 metres was maintained between the two groups at all times. All club stakeholders involved have agreed that there will only be one group of three plus one coach per park/location until June 8.”
The statement concluded: “We look forward to the return of collective training on Monday and the eventual return of competitive football.”
Other measures Bohs say are in place for these get-togethers include staying at home if in contact with a confirmed
Covid-19 case, or if showing flu-like symptoms.
All training equipment is to be handled by coaching staff only and players must bring their own water and arrive ready to train having travelled separately to the location.