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Waterford unable to fulfil Sligo fixture due to COVID-19 case

Waterford FC have told the FAI they are unable to play in Saturday's SSE Airtricity Premier Divis...



Waterford unable to fulfil Sli...
Soccer

Waterford unable to fulfil Sligo fixture due to COVID-19 case

Waterford FC have told the FAI they are unable to play in Saturday's SSE Airtricity Premier Division fixture with Sligo Rovers. 

A member of the Blues' first-team squad tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

Interim manager Mike Geoghegan was forced into fielding an entirely U19 side for last week's game with Drogheda United with the first-team stood down.

The youthful Waterford side were thumped 7-0.

Instead of taking the same course of action, Waterford have decided they are unable to fulfil Saturday evening's game at the Showgrounds.

The situation continues a nightmare season for the south-east club, who sit bottom of the Premier Division.

Geoghegan was only put in charge of the first-team after manager Kevin Sheedy and his assistant Mike Newell left the club after a stormy five-month spell.

Should the next round of testing come up clear, Waterford want to resume training on Monday.

Ahead of the Drogs defeat, goalkeeper Brian Murphy tweeted to say, "All of us players were well prepared & desperate to play tonight!

"We are disappointed that we are unfortunately dealing with a positive Covid case & close contacts in our squad.For the health and safety of all involved the FAI advised us players involved in this to stand down.

"We are not the first club that this has happened to but we have to adhere to Government and FAI guidelines."

Waterford FC statement: 

Waterford FC have today informed the FAI that we are unable to fulfil our SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixture with Sligo Rovers FC this coming Saturday evening due to the ongoing COVID-19 positive case.

As per HSE guidelines, a further full round of tests on our first-team squad will take place this weekend before a return to full training on Monday, May 17th, based on results.

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Brian Murphy Coronavirus Covid-19 Kevin Sheedy League Of Ireland Sligo Sligo Rovers Waterford Waterford FC