Southport FC confirms opponent player tested positive for Covid-19

Southport FC bosses say there is no need to panic after their latest game was blighted by a confirmed case of the coronavirus.

The Yellows faced Morpeth Town at the weekend when, unbeknownst to the club, their rivals fielded a player who has now tested positive for the virus.

Southport’s Club Doctor has confirmed that the Yellows are safe to continue and the club’s management team have ensured the Pure Stadium has undergone an extra deep clean as a matter of precaution.

It has not been confirmed whether the opponent took a test before or after Saturday’s match.

A Club spokesperson announced today “Southport Football Club can confirm that we were notified by Morpeth Town FC that one of their players who participated in the match on Saturday has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Pure Stadium is a covid secure environment and players are screened prior to gaining access which includes temperature checks, hand sanitising stations and the wearing of face masks and coverings indoors. Both teams change in separate locations and only come into contact with each other, in the open air, on the field of play.

The FA confirmed in their latest guidance, in respect of opponents testing positive, released on 10th September 2020 that “Match play is not considered ‘close contact’ so no action is required unless individuals experience symptoms”

“We have consulted with our Medical Officer, Doctor Farrell, who has confirmed that we are safe to continue and no further action is required. The changing room are in any event deep cleaned after each use.”