Dunfermline remain locked in battle with outbreak: Chairman

Chairman Ross McArthur has revealed Dunfermline are still dealing with an “extremely challenging” outbreak of Covid-19 at the club.

The Pars had to have matches against Raith Rovers and Dundee postponed because they were unable to raise a team to fulfil the fixtures.

The Fifers have kept the identity of those involved under wraps but McArthur has confessed that four “members of staff” tested positive for the virus and a further 12 were forced to quarantine at home.

One is still self-isolating but, despite limited training, the East End Park outfit were almost back to full strength in time for Saturday’s encounter with Morton.

McArthur has praised the players who returned for the 1-0 victory and also boss Stevie Crawford and captain Euan Murray for the way the squad have handled a difficult period for the club.

He said: “Despite our best endeavours, as was reported, the virus was recently able to penetrate our football bubble.

“This has been a very fluid situation, and extremely challenging.

“Sadly, this resulted in four members of staff testing positive, and a further 12 staff selfisolating, as they had been deemed to be close contacts.

“The transmission of the virus has been extremely unpredictable, and there has been a period of 10 days between the first and last positive case, resulting in one person still self-isolating at home.”

He continued: “In the run-up to the Morton fixture, a number of players had only undertaken one or two days’ training, and the rest of the squad had severe restrictions placed upon their training arrangements.

“Some players who tested positive played on Saturday against Morton, which is to their great credit and put in tremendous individual performances.

“Finally, I have to pay tribute to Stevie, the backroom staff and players for their efforts and discipline throughout this challenging season, as they have made so many sacrifices along the way, and will continue to do so for the rest of this season.”