HIBS LAUNCH PROBE OVER COVID OUTBREAK AS NEXT TWO LEAGUE GAMES ARE POSTPONED

games off. With the upcoming international break, it is likely Hibernian’s next game will be the League Cup semi-final against Rangers on Sunday, November 21 — meaning they will have been inactive for 24 days prior to travelling to Hampden. A club statement read: ‘The games, which were due to take place on Wednesday, November 3 and Saturday, November 6 respectively, have now been postponed following discussions with the SPFL, NHS Lothian, and the clubs. ‘This decision was made after a significant number of first-team players, staff and development squad players tested positive over the last few days. By following all the guidelines, we wouldn’t be able to field a team for either game, which has led us to no other alternative than to postpone the fixtures. ‘The individuals will not be named due to medical confidentiality and those affected will now self-isolate in line with the protocol. We are in constant discussions with NHS Lothian to reduce the spread of Covid and HTC (Hibernian Training Centre) has subsequently been closed for a deep clean. We have also undergone an internal investigation regarding the outbreak and are confident in our processes. ‘We would also like to apologise to our supporters who have made plans to attend the re-arranged fixture at Ross County. ‘We made our thoughts incredibly clear to the SPFL before the fixture was re-arranged, and it took them until today, after more positive tests were recorded and several meetings, to make the right decision, which we thank them for.’ An SPFL spokesman said: ‘After reviewing the information provided by Hibernian, their matches against Ross County and Livingston this week have been postponed. New dates for both games will be announced as soon as possible.’ The SFA and SPFL recently scrapped mandatory ‘red zones’ which impose strict social-distancing around grounds