Mackay says Dark Blues will follow rules regarding virus

Dundee coach Dave Mackay stressed the club will “follow the rules” as Scottish football struggles to cope with the coronavirus, writes Ian Roache.

The Dark Blues, who welcome Dunfermline to Dens Park tomorrow, have urged people who have cold or flu symptoms not to attend the Championship match.

The club has the health of its staff and supporters at the top of its priority list.

Mackay stressed that, while it has been “business as usual” for the players in terms of their match build-up, the situation is being monitored by Dundee and they will do what they need to do.

He said: “It is business as usual at training until we are told otherwise.

“It is just the same as it has been – coming in and working away as normal.

“Obviously, things can change and, as you can see at the minute, the situation appears to be moving pretty quickly.

“A lot of things like sporting events closing down could become a problem in the near future.

“We have to listen to what the government or the people in charge have to say about it and follow the rules.”

Mackay does not relish the thought of matches going ahead behind closeddoors in empty stadiums.

He added: “I have watched a couple of the games recently where that has been the case.

“I saw the Champions League game at Paris St-Germain on TV, for example, and it was a strange atmosphere.

“Obviously we want to get games played and the last thing you want is for the season to be affected or even scrapped.

“You would much rather finish it out and if that has to be behind closed doors or whatever then you just have to get on with it.”