A football club in Northern Ireland has confirmed one of their players has tested positive for Coronavirus after playing a match on Saturday.
Hanover FC in Co Armagh issued a statement last night after one of their players was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
The news emerged after it was announced three more positive cases had been identified in Northern Ireland bringing the total to 7 here since testing began.
The Portadown club who play in the Mid Ulster League said they were only made aware of the player's positive test after the game against Co Tyrone club Coagh United FC reserves.
A spokesperson Hanover FC posted on social media: "Hanover FC can confirm that a player from the club has been tested as positive for Coronavirus this evening following playing on a fixture vs Coagh Utd Reserves.
"Hanover FC had no knowledge of the testing prior to confirmation of the positive test at 6.30pm this evening. Immediately then took all precautionary measures by contacting Hanover players, the opposing club along with MUFL and liaising with NHS via their helpline for advice which has now been passed on to all in question.
"We also immediately cancelled a planned function and have arranged for a deep clean to be performed by qualified contractors. Again we would wish to stress that this is something that we had no prior knowledge but following the swift actions taken upon discovery we hope that this will help in ensuring all those in direct contact with the person in question remain unaffected."
Coagh United FC also issued a statement following the news.
They said: "Today, a player from a visiting club played against our Reserves team at Coagh Sports Centre. At 7pm we were informed that a player from this visiting team had tested positive for Corona Virus. This has been confirmed.
"We have taken advice from the NHS and from the Mid Ulster Football League. Anyone that was playing in the Reserves match today must monitor themselves for the next 24 hours. If they feel that they have any symptoms of the Corona Virus, they should get tested immediately.
"If anyone has been in the Social Club this evening for our darts competition; the advice is that you are at very low risk. However should you feel any symptoms over the next 24 hours, you should get tested.
"We are sincerely sorry for this; this is something that is completely beyond our control. We will keep you updated with all information."
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart commended the club for their swift action and sent her best wishes to the player.
She tweeted: "Thoughts are with the young man who has contracted this and I wish him a speedy recovery. The club are to be commended for their swift actions and following NHS advice for the other players."
