Celtic clash ref stood down as SFA apologise to Accies over Covid mix-up

Top referee Bobby Madden was forced to stand down from handling last night's Premiership clash between Ross County and Celtic in Dingwall, over a mix-up that should have led to an assistant referee in the Hibs v Hamilton match self-isolating.

That has led to the Scottish FA apologising to both Hibernian and Hamiton Accies.

Graeme Stewart, along with East Kilbride referees David Roome and Bobby Madden, oversaw Panathinaikos v Olympiakos in Greece last weekend, with Roome testing positive for Covid-19.

Although Stewart and Madden have returned two negative tests since returning, it was belatedly discovered that they should have been considered to be close contacts.

Madden was withdrawn from Ross County's game with Celtic on Sunday, which the Staggies won 1-0, but Stewart had already officiated at Easter Road.

The FIFA official was replaced by fourth official David Munro, with Billy Baxter stepping in to take over from him.

Fellow East Kilbride referee David Roome was also caught up in the row (East Kilbride News)

Both HIbs and Accies were made aware of the issue on Sunday but, with all three officials now self-isolating, no players or staff at either club have been identified as close contacts.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has started an investigation to "seek clarity on the breakdown in internal process."

He added: "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.

"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.

The Scottish FA have apologised to Hibs and Accies over the mix-up (SNS Group)

"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."

Madden, Stewart and Roome were taking charge of the Greek Super League game at the request of UEFA and were tested before leaving Scotland.

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