The Football Association of Ireland have tonight accepted Bohemians' apology for breaching their training guidelines.
Bohs' admitted that they made an "error" in allowing two groups of three players to train at the same venue, Father Collins’ Park in Dublin's Donaghmeade, after pictures of the session emerged on social media.
The club insist that they were following all other guidelines and said they'll follow the FAI's advice ahead of collective training resuming for the four European qualified teams next week.
"We are happy that Bohemians have reaffirmed their commitment to the pathway we are on to ensure a safer return to football," the FAI's Interim CEO Gary Owens said of the Gypsies' explanation. "The guidelines we have issued are based on the best possible medical advice from our Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne.
“It is imperative that all our clubs abide by our guidelines to ensure we can get our players of all ages back on the pitch in the safest environment possible. Our pilot programme is central to this effort and we welcome confirmation from Bohemians that they will follow our guidelines and help Irish football return to action as soon as it is safe and feasible.”
“We accept that facilitating small group training sessions was contrary to FAI advice and against the professional advice offered by the FAI’s medical director Dr Alan Byrne,” a Bohemians spokesperson added.
“We are aware of our position as role models for the game in Ireland and are grateful to be one of the four teams involved in the pilot programme designed to secure a safer return to football for everyone involved with our sport across the country.
“We regret if our actions, although made in good faith in line with phase one of the government roadmap, may have placed that programme at risk.
"As a club, we apologise to the FAI and to all our fellow stakeholders for any offence caused. We are mindful of the huge amount of work and sacrifice being made by so many in this country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and we thank all those on the frontline for their ongoing contributions.”
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