Ross hits out at First Minister’s ‘peculiar’ chastising of football
Hibs manager Jack Ross has hit back at First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after she told Scottish football to “get its house in order”.
The Easter Road boss said it was unfair to castigate the entire Scottish game for the choices of a handful of Rangers players who recently broke lockdown rules by attending a house party. Speaking after the breach came to light, the First Minister said: “I don’t care if it’s Celtic, Rangers, or any other club, it’s not on so please stop breaking the rules.”
Insisting she is wrong to condemn an entire industry for the transgressions of individuals, Ross said the fact that only one member of his playing staff is currently self-isolating after contracting the virus at home at the weekend, proves clubs are adhering to protocols to minimise the spread. “The club has put a lot of effort into it and make sure that we are very clear on what we need to do,” said Ross.
“If there is a positive test, that limits the fallout. From the number of buses we have when travelling, to seating arrangements in the dining room and ensuring everyone has individual rooms when we are away, everything is looked at. We work hard to make sure everything is in place so they don’t deviate from the rules.”
But he said that, with the best will in the world, “like every other walk of life, it is not foolproof in any way”.
“Football is a profession and I don’t think you can legislate for the behaviour of individuals, in any line of work,” added Ross.
“But, when it’s football, and I’m not just talking about Covid, any misdemeanour by any group or individuals is seen to reflect badly on the whole industry and I’m not sure that’s the case when it’s other professionsand someone does something that is seen as inappropriate. I’m not sure that entire industries are chastised as much as when it is football. I find that a bit peculiar.
“We can’t control someone 24/7. People make their own individual decisions and I don’t really understand why the whole industry should be threatened with the consequences of that. It should be that individual who takes responsibility.”
Hibs boss Jack Ross says he is losing hope that the Scottish Cup will go ahead this season.
The tournament has been under threat since the lower leagues were placed in an ongoing period of stasis. With second and third round matches still outstanding, the chances of being able to press ahead and complete it this term have been decreasing with every passing week.
Dates set aside for Scottish Cup ties have come and gone and following the news earlier this week that Hibs’ postponed Premiership fixture against Ross County has been rescheduled for 13 March, the proposed quarter-finals weekend, the Hibs manager says the signs are bleak.
“I have certainly not had any information when or if the competition will be played but when we received confirmation of that date for the rescheduled match that was one of the first things that came into my head,” said Ross.
“I know that there has been conjecture and talk that they might try to cram a number of rounds into a two-week period but that is now another weekend that can’t be used for that.
"So, if you read between the lines, it doesn’t look that promising. With every passing week it is becoming more and more difficult, which is a shame. The traditionalist in me would always want it played but being pragmatic and realistic I am probably starting to lose hope of that. I just don’t see how it can be fulfilled.
"There may be people at the SFA who have a plan in place but I’m certainly not aware of what that might be.”