GRIMSBY HIT BY FIRST EFL COVID FINE

GRIMSBY TOWN have become the first football club in England to be punished for breaches of the EFL’S Covid- 19 rules.

The League Two club accepted a suspended fine of £ 4,880 for breaking rules during the pandemic – leading to three matches being postponed last year.

Grimsby’s call- offs in September were sparked by Jack Curran testing positive, with the entire squad being placed into self- isolation.

In the past week, Premier League and EFL clubs have been told to stop flouting rules and have been reminded of their responsibilities.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, who has vowed to punish individuals and clubs who continue to ignore protocols, said: “We will come under extreme governmental pressure if we keep flouting the rules.”

When EFL chiefs launched an investigation surrounding Grimsby’s postponements they found:

* Social- distancing rules were not followed, meaning more players than necessary had to self- isolate.

* Players were congregating in communal areas at their Cheapside training ground.

* Car- sharing among players was taking place.

* The club failed to conduct an adequate risk assessment by a suitable specialist before reopening their kitchen at the training ground.

* Boss Ian ‘ Olly’ Holloway ( above), who has since left the club, played darts with players to improve team bonding.

Mariners chairman Philip Day said: “This should not have happened. We had put in place protocols approved by the EFL.”

Day also revealed the playing of darts was “unknown to the board and senior management”. He added: “Olly used the playing of darts to build up team ethos and, sadly, he shouldn’t have done it.”