SCOTTISH FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has revealed that referee Bobby Madden and his two assistants David Roome and Graeme Stewart have now entered self-isolation after one of the officials, Roome, returned a positive test for coronavirus on Wednesday.
The trio had been working in Greece to officiate a derby between Panathanaikos and Olympiacos last Sunday, and were tested the following Tuesday for the virus. The next day, Roome returned a positive test while Stewart and Madden were given the all-clear by that and subsequent tests.
Madden was set to take charge of Sunday evening's Premiership fixture between Ross County and Celtic in Dingwall but was replaced hours before kick-off.
A statement released by the SFA has explained that "upon further investigation by the Scottish FA’s medical consultant they [Madden, Stewart and Roome] have been considered close contacts under Scottish Government regulations" and as such, they will now self-isolate.
However, the statement from Scottish football's governing body was released on Sunday evening - 24 hours after Stewart was the assistant referee at Hibernian's 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies at Easter Road.
"We have informed both clubs as part of a review of process initiated today and Dr MacLean has informed the Elite Sports Clinical Advisory Group (ESCAG)," the statement read.
"No players or members of team staff involved in yesterday’s match have been identified as close contacts of Graeme."
Commenting on the incident, Maxwell revealed he had apologised to the two Premiership clubs involved and urged everyone involved in the sport to follow the Government's guidelines.
He said: “While the circumstances are complex the reality is that under Scottish Government guidelines all match officials involved in the trip should be considered close contacts,” he said.
“I have reiterated that the positive case and subsequent contact tracing should have been undertaken in line with the Scottish Government’s guidelines and the established system utilised by ESCAG.
“I have tonight apologised to Hibernian and Hamilton Academical for the unnecessary risk of having an assistant referee at a match when he should have been self-isolating, however much it is mitigated by two negative tests in the build-up to the match.
“As part of an internal review, I have asked the respective departments to ensure we maintain the highest standards of compliance relevant to Scottish Government protocols.”
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