Mellon warns men not to fall into Covid trap

DUNDEE United’s players have been given a clear message by manager Micky Mellon as they try to stay on the right side of the pandemic rules: “Just ask!”

If any Tannadice player is unsure about any decision or action that they want to take away from the pitch they have been ordered to seek immediate advice from the club.

Mellon has been extremely happy with the conduct of his players during the coronavirus crisis and wants that to continue.

He and captain Mark Reynolds were involved in the Premiershipwide governmental talks that took place in the wake of the Aberdeen eight’s bar visit and the Spanish trip taken by Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli.

Everyone in Scottish football is aware that the season is hanging by a thread and Mellon’s men have been urged to raise any doubts they have rather than soldier on thinking everything will be fine.

The United gaffer said: “I think it is a really difficult time.

“It is a virus that we are dealing with for the first time.

“There are a lot of grey areas in things players can and cannot do.

“I certainly don’t remember a time, apart from Monday, when we sat down with the health minister and things were put to us a wee bit clearer. That is the first time that I have sat down as a manager since the start of this virus.

“So a lot of areas are grey to me as well and people will make mistakes.

“Unfortunately some people are (doing that) but I say to my players: ‘If in doubt ask!’

“Don’t go doing anything that you think might be in a wee bit of a dodgy area. Ask the question and if we don’t know then we will go and try to find the answers for you. But common sense must prevail.

“If you don’t want sunburn, you don’t go out in the sun too much,” added Mellon.

“Therefore, just be a wee bit careful and use common sense and if in doubt ask the question.

“We don’t want people punished unless it is a blatant breach of what we already know is wrong.

“Like I said, it is difficult because we are doing this for the first time

Jamie Robson is out of tomorrow’s game against Ross County after picking up a nasty head knock in the midweek game against Hibs.