Hearts ‘incensed’ as SFA and SPFL halt their training
HEARTS last night revealed they had been left “incensed” after being ordered by the SFA and SPFL Joint Response Group (JRG) to stop training.
The JRG announced yesterday that “a wide range of measures agreed with the Scottish government to reinforce Scottish football’s commitment to public health and adherence to protocols” were being introduced.
These include the return to training of clubs outwith the Premiership being delayed until August 24 – and Hearts being told to pause their pre-season programme until that date.
The move comes after eight Aberdeen players – two of whom have tested positive for coronavirus – and a Celtic player were found to have flouted strict Covid-19 guidelines.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned on Wednesday that she would shut down the game in this country again if there were any further incidents – and the JRG accepted a request from the Scottish government to postpone Aberdeen and Celtic’s games this week.
Hearts are the only club outwith the top flight to resume training and a statement posted on their official website revealed they have incurred “significant unnecessary costs” as a result of the development.
The Tynecastle club, whose legal challenge against their relegation from the Premiership failed after going through the SFA arbitration process, are considering their next step.
The Hearts statement read: “While recognising the hugely complex decision-making processes involved in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis, the club has nonetheless objected to this decision in the strongest terms.
“To be clear, we had previously requested to return to training on August 3 to fit in with our training plans and needs. Along with a Betfred Cup campaign and Championship season to prepare for, we also have a Scottish Cup semi-final to participate in.
“We confirmed that we were able to comply with all the required protocols, which we have done. All other Championship clubs were given the same opportunity to return to training. They chose not to return at that time, as was their right.
“Having received authority to return to training, we built our plans around the agreed date. Our players and support staff were taken off furlough, contracts were signed with new staff and new players on the clear understanding that we would be in full training.
“We signed contracts with service providers, including Oriam and our testing company. Testing has once again been carried out this week, with costs incurred, in anticipation of continued training.
“Suffice to say that at a time when every football club in the land is managing its costs as tightly as possible, we have incurred significant ‘unnecessary’ costs.”
The statement continued: “We have done nothing wrong and yet, once again, we are being disproportionately disadvantaged by a decision which has been described as ‘the fairest’.
“We should not forget that this situation has come about, not because of Covid-19, but because of behavioural issues, not by our employees but by those of other clubs. This delay reflects a lack of confidence that certain clubs will be able to comply and meet the required protocols. How can it possibly be ‘fair’ that we should be penalised?
“Our fans are naturally incensed by this action, especially given what has transpired over recent months. For the avoidance of doubt, everyone at the club is equally incensed. We are currently considering our options.”
Jason Leitch, the national clinical director for Scotland, stated yesterday that he believed Hearts would be allowed to continue training.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, he said: “We didn’t tell them [the JRG] what to do. We told them to reassure us that everything is in place that is necessary. My understanding of what the SPFL have said is no new clubs to start training until the 24th.”