STU BACKING DONS, CELTS OVER COVID
ROSS COUNTY boss Stuart Kettlewell has leapt to the defence of Aberdeen and Celtic after Hibs chief Ron Gordon backed points deductions for Covid-19 protocol breaches.
The Staggies boss says the Dons and Hoops have done everything right in meeting strict guidelines.
And he insists clubs should not be held accountable for mistakes made by their players outside of work hours.
Celtic’s Boli Bolingoli and eight Aberdeen players face SFA charges for breaking the guidelines.
The clubs have been charged by the SPFL and could now face points deductions. Hibs chief Gordon said he “wouldn’t be opposed” to points being docked for clubs whose players have stepped out of line – and claimed there would be support around the league for such punishments.
Kettlewell said: “We have been to Parkhead and Cormack Park for games over pre-season and I can tell everyone categorically that these teams are doing things right, they are right on the ball with their procedures.
“Their staff have been first class, taking the situation seriously and done absolutely everything to the letter from what I have seen. So I’m not going start criticising Aberdeen and Celtic – far from it.
“It’s very difficult to control players when they’re away from the ground.
“If someone decides they want to jump on a flight or if somebody decides they want to go out … we don’t live with these guys 24/7.”
Kettlewell was livid when his side’s pre-season friendly at Hibs was cancelled at the 11th hour due to the Easter Road club’s test results being late, and he added: “I’d appeal to the common sense of players.
“The issue we all have is what happens in that period of time they are away from the training ground. We don’t have enough staff to sit with them in their house 24/7.
“Should clubs be punished for the actions of an individual or a minority of players? I don’t believe so.”