Friendly in Paisley off after seven test positive

SAINTS: Coaching staff at St Mirren catch Covid-19

St Johnstone’s friendly against St Mirren tomorrow has been cancelled after the Buddies revealed several members of Jim Goodwin’s backroom team had tested positive for Covid-19.

The SFA last night issued a statement saying its Joint Response Group had been notified that the Paisley club yesterday returned seven positive coronavirus tests.

Goodwin’s squad – who were due to face Callum Davidson’s Saints on home soil in a bounce game – are now in lockdown while further safety measures are put in place.

St Mirren said: “Our testing regimen has identified several members of our coaching staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

“We immediately contacted the health authorities, the SPFL, the SFA have also been informed. Thus far no members of the playing staff have tested positive.”

Hampden chiefs added: “The Joint Response Group (JRG) has been notified that St Mirren Football Club has today returned seven positive tests for Covid-19.

“We immediately contacted the Scottish Government and the office of the Clinical Director for Scotland to relay this information.

“As a consequence, St Mirren’s planned friendly match at home to St Johnstone, scheduled to take place on Saturday July 25, has been cancelled. In light of this and other recent events, the JRG hereby notifies Scottish Premiership clubs that with immediate effect they must revert to twice-weekly testing protocols until further notice.”

St Mirren are due to kick off their season at home to Livingston on August 1.