Pub Visit Leads to COVID-19 Cases and Postponement in Scotland
The Full Scottish with Brian P. Dunleavy
Aberdeen FC narrowly avoided forfeiting its match Saturday against St. Johnstone after two players tested positive for COVID-19, with six others ordered to self-quarantine for fear of exposure.
They may have circumvented punishment from the SPFL, but government officials in Scotland didn’t mince words once it became clear that the eight players had violated league—and national—protocols by visiting a pub after the Dons’ 1-0 loss to Rangers last Saturday.
Supporters generally don’t like to hear about their favorite players celebrating defeats. However, this time, they have a lot more reason to be disappointed with the as-yet-unnamed players.
“Football has been given the go ahead, on the strict condition that clubs and players abide by the guidance,” Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Sky Sports. “If they don’t do that, they put at risk the return of the professional game.”
“The Scottish government will also be contacting all club captains and managers to emphasize the importance of complying with [COVID-19] guidance,” added Sturgeon, in noting that the Aberdeen players “blatantly” violated that guidance by visiting the pub.
The Dons’ match against St. Johnstone has now been pushed to August 20.
Frankly, one could argue it was only a matter of time before the sport faced a challenge like this. Players are human, after all, and if pubs are open, the temptation is there.
However, these athletes are also grown men—seemingly, anyway—and must understand the rules under which we are all living.
As baseball has found here in the United States, games don’t—and can’t—be played in a vacuum. If COVID-19 isn’t under control in the public, it can’t be controlled in sport.
That makes all of us responsible for keeping each other safe and, to a degree, for allowing the games to continue. Staying healthy should be motivation enough for the Aberdeen players—and those with all clubs—to behave responsibly.
Being allowed to earn a living should be, too.
“We are so remorseful that this has had an impact on Scottish football,” Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said in a statement issued by the club. “Players will be dealt with internally for a breach of discipline. I understand totally the anger and the sentiment being aimed towards us and for that we are deeply sorry.”
Here’s hoping those sickened recover—and that Scottish football can recover from this incident as well.