Fife amateur side has maiden season plans derailed due to Covid-19 rule breakers

The amateur side had been working on ramping up its pre-season training programme with full contact sessions, in line with government safety guidelines, ahead of its debut in the Kingdom’s amateur divisions.

Instead, under new rules agreed by the joint SFA/SPFL Response Group this week to prevent further coronavirus outbreaks, all adult clubs outwith the Scottish Premiership have been told to stop training immediately until the end of the month.

It follows highly documented Covid-19 rule breaches at Premiership sides Aberdeen and Celtic.

Bizarrely it means that one of Scotland’s newest and lowest ranked football sides has had its plans scuppered by two of the nation’s most celebrated clubs.

A spokesman for Newburgh AFC said: “Due to some members of two professional clubs within Scotland not taking the Governments guidelines seriously (Celtic and Aberdeen players), we have been told to suspend all training until at least August 24.

“We were made aware of the decision late on this evening (Thursday) and after checking with the SFA on the legitimacy of the news, we’re sad to announce that future sessions before August 24 have been cancelled.

“We understand that this is frustrating for all club members, but please be patient.

“We’re currently waiting on a justification from the SFA as to why the Scottish Prem can carry on with games and training when they seem to be the problem.

“We’re also seeking a response on why youth football is still allowed, as we believe if amateur teams over 18 have to stop training then all of football should be stopped.”

In a statement released on Thursday, the JRG said its decision came after extensive discussions with Scottish Government Ministers and health advisers.

Rod Petrie, Joint Response Group chair said: “The message from First Minister could not have been clearer. The JRG must now ensure that the planned resumption of football beyond the Scottish Premiership is done in a controlled manner with the strictest adherence to protocols and guidelines.

“The pause on the return to training for the professional game outwith the Scottish Premiership will not impact on the proposed start dates of the respective league competitions but will give sufficient time to reinforce protocols, educate players and make sure of the ability of clubs in the lower divisions to conform.”

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