Derry City call off Shamrock Rovers game amid positive Covid-19 cases

The club announced tonight that one squad member and one backroom team member have tested positive.

The fixture was orginally pencilled in for October 16th but Shamrock Rovers had it postponed 24 hours before the game was to take place due to an outbreak of coronavirus in their squad.

Aaron Greene had tested positive for Covid-19 that week while Jack Byrne was already self-isolating after having tested positive while on international duty with Ireland.

An unspecified number of Rovers players were also deemed to be close contacts with Greene and Rovers insisted they couldn't field a team for the game.

After much deliberation the FAI permitted Shamrock Rovers to postpone their next three fixtures deeming the impact on Stephen Bradley's squad to be serious enough to warrant the rescheduling of games against Derry, Finn Harps and St Pat's.

It's unclear how many Derry players have been deemed close contacts to both the unnamed coach and player and whether or not the FAI will urge them to play the game.

Last week the FAI had formally told League of Ireland clubs that they will not be postponing any more matches this season for Covid-19 reasons.

A letter from League Director Mark Scanlon confirmed the change of approach from Abbotstown to ensure that the league campaign finishes on time amid tightened Covid restrictions.

Rescheduling matches due to Covid outbreaks meant that extending the season was a step the FAI had to take but they cannot push it back any further due to the finances of extending players' contracts.

Scanlon did not refer to sanctions but the FAI are understood to be prepared to award points to the opposing side in a situation where a team is unable to fulfil a fixture.

A short statement released by Derry City Football Club tonight read as follows: "Derry City FC wishes to advise that our scheduled game against Shamrock Rovers on Wednesday night will not go ahead.

"This decision was taken after one squad member and one of the backroom team tested positive for coronavirus in recent days.

"The club is currently working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of all players and staff."

The SSE Airtricity League responded with the following statement.

"The FAI has been informed by Derry City FC of a number of positive COVID-19 test results at the club. The FAI is now awaiting further information from Derry City and the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency as it reviews this situation."