Player with COVID-19 symptoms causes postponement of Sligo Rovers v Waterford match

Player with COVID-19 symptoms causes postponement of Sligo Rovers v Waterford match

The FAI confirmed on Monday morning that a Waterford FC player has reported COVID-19 type symptoms ahead of the club’s latest training session. Due to this, the SSE Airtricity League between Sligo Rovers and Waterford set for Tuesday has been postponed.

It was not the news anyone in the League of Ireland wanted to hear just three days after the resumption of competitive football in Ireland after more than four months of a break due to the pandemic.

The FAI statement noted that ‘the player did not train (on Monday) and Waterford FC suspended the training session and the player will now undergo a COVID-19 test.’

Waterford beat Shelbourne in Tolka Park on Saturday and while the unnamed player who is showing symptoms travelled with the squad, he did not play in the match. 

The statement concluded that ‘the FAI’s medical team will now review all aspects of this case before making any further decisions’.

Waterford released their own statement confirming that 'a player from our senior team reported to the club doctor with flu-like symptoms.' The player was then sent for testing.

'We are awaiting the results of the test however, until the results of the test are known, the club will cease all operations including training and staff meetings.

'Our Covid-19 management team will work in conjunction with the FAI and HSE to ensure that every precaution possible is taken.
 
'This may not be a confirmed case and we do not wish to cause any unwanted concern, however, the safety of the players, staff and public are of the utmost importance and for that reason, we will not be traveling to Sligo for our Tuesday fixture.'

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile