Derry City players tested for COVID-19

The Candy Stripes squad, which now has the majority of its players back in country, went through the individual coronavirus tests via a drive-through system at the club’s training unit in Elagh Business Park.

Players from Derry, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, who are all due to compete in Europe this year, were all tested on Monday, with those four clubs hoping to return to training on June 8th provided they receive the green-light from the FAI’s Medical Director, Alan Byrne, in consultation with the Health and Safety Authority.

The rest of the league will start testing on June 28 ahead of their training ground return later next month.

Monday’s tests were performed by an independent firm with clubs expected to receive the results tomorrow (Wednesday) or Thursday. The four clubs will then be tested a second time later in the week.

Only last week, Derry City boss, Declan Devine, said he believes there’s a “duty” on clubs to get back playing, but only when it is safe to do so.

“This is the league we all signed up for in January, this is the participation agreement, the licensing that all the clubs worked so hard to get,” stated Devine.

“We have a duty as well that we have to fulfil towards the FAI and towards SSE Airtricity.

“We’ve got to ensure that, first and foremost, it is safe and healthy for all the participants. But ultimately, we made a commitment to play this season.

“We made it in January when the licences were handed out and I think no matter what, we have to be very determined to get football back.”

Devine also praised the FAI for their work and commitment in trying to get the 2020 campaign up and running again.

“You’ve got to give the FAI credit, they are trying to get things right so we can play,” he added.

“I saw the stuff about other leagues having plans about getting back. Whether they are realistic or not remains to be seen but at the same time, at least those plans are in place.

“We can’t just go into it and say, ‘No, we don’t want to come back.’ Well, why don’t you want to come back? Somewhere along the line, we have to get back to normality. As clubs, we’re obliged to finish this season.

“The most important thing is safety. I know the players, as they do at other clubs, have some concerns and want some answers.”