CONFIRMED: Aberdeen matches called off as football 'given yellow card'

Aberdeen's next two fixtures have been postponed.

The SPFL has been planning for the Dons game to go ahead against Hamilton at Pittodrie tomorrow, and against Celtic this weekend.

But it has emerged that a Celtic player has now broken coronavirus protocols.

It comes just days after eight Dons players admitted breaking the rules by visiting a crowded city bar, where two of them caught Covid-19.

At her daily briefing today, Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is just not acceptable.

"Every day I stand here and ask members of the public to make huge sacrifices in how they live their lives, and the vast majority of members of the public are doing that, and it's not easy.

"We can't have privileged football players just deciding that they're not going to bother - this can't go on.

"What are we going to do about it? I want to get to a situation here where clubs and players live up to their responsibilities, because I don't want the price of this to be paid by fans, who want to watch football even though they can't go as normal to spectate in stadiums.

"And I don't want the price of this to be paid by football players and clubs who are living up to their responsibilities.

"There have been talks ongoing over the course of the morning. Jason [Leitch, national clinical director] has been part of those talks with the football authorities where we've given them the opportunity to tell us how they're going to put their house in order, and make sure that these breaches don't happen - or when they do, that there are very clear penalties in place for players and for clubs.

"We will hopefully say more about the outcome of those talks later on this afternoon."

It has now been confirmed the Aberdeen v Hamilton game tomorrow, and the Dons v Celtic game on Saturday, will not go ahead.

Rod Petrie, chair of the sport's coronavirus response group, said: "The JRG has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

"The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

"That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

"We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

"We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.

"Since March, the joint response group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.

"Players must heed the warning of the first minister that this is a yellow card moment for Scottish football."

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: "We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game. For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

"The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth. 

"Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players."

More from North East Scotland News