Stephen Bradley insists that the Government must provide clear and proper guidelines for clubs after last night announcing further restrictions around training.
Prior to taking training with Shamrock Rovers at their Roadstone facility this morning, the Hoops boss insisted he was changing nothing in the session he had planned for his players ahead of Friday night's SSE Airtricity League derby clash with Shelbourne in Tallaght Stadium.
"No, no chance, we'll prepare for Shelbourne," declared Bradley.
"We all got tested on Monday because of Europe and everyone was clear again.
"So we'll train as normal."
That's despite the announcement that only 15 players are allowed to train together in one pod under new Covid-19 guidelines.
"That's part of the confusion," Bradley said. "We have asked for clarification on everything that was said last night but it will change nothing in terms of me preparing to play Shelbourne.
"You can’t come out and tell us two days before a game to train in pods of 15 for no apparent reason.
"I know there's a wider picture but we got tested and everyone is clear again. We got tested because we are playing in Europe - we got tested this week, we'll be tested again next week. We stopped testing in terms of the League three or four weeks back.
"I'm at a bit of a loss to understand it. It would be great if somebody came out and actually gave us clear instructions and as to why they came to these decisions.
"It's very confusing for everyone involved in the League, and for sport in general."
The FAI stated last night that it will seek further clarification from the Government on what is and isn't permitted.
But Bradley admitted that it would be a frustration for a full-time outfit such as Rovers, who currently top the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, not to be treated differently to amateur clubs.
"Yes, if they went around and saw the hard work done by each and every club and how good that it has been in terms of training," he commented.
"Nobody has cut corners here and I think that every club has put so much into it, they deserve a bit more respect on that rather than just a blanket statement.
"If there was a big outbreak within a certain club or amongst a couple of clubs then you would understand that. But that has not happened.
"I'm nearly sure in saying that we have not had a positive case throughout the league. So I would just like someone to explain how and why they have come to this decision."
Bradley hopes that the changes won't disrupt the season.
"I think all of the clubs have done their work," he stressed.
"I think they've all done things correctly and I'd like to understand how they came to the decision that they have come to in terms of putting out a blanket statement for everybody.
"I need to be careful here, but I don’t think it’s right.
"I think clubs have worked too hard and are doing too much in terms of protocols at the games and in terms of training. For the government just to come out and make a blanket statement about everything, I just don't think it's right.
"If they went around and looked at what’s been done, they would understand what has gone into it from every club and the finances that have gone into it.
"I don’t think that statement should relate to the league. I really don’t think it should."
As things stand, he has no fears over the League being brought to a halt for the second time this season.
"No, I wouldn’t because I believe that clubs are doing everything right," said the 35-year-old.
"If you thought that clubs were cutting corners at grounds or at training, and you would hear if that was happening, then you would have genuine concerns there.
"But I don’t see that, I don’t hear that. I think everybody is working really, really hard to do things right and I think that I am right in saying that we haven’t had a positive test at any club.
"I think that that shows that everyone is doing it right and the players are being responsible so I don’t see why the league as a whole should be punished when everybody is trying to do things right."
Meanwhile, Rovers are currently seeking clarification over whether their home Europa League clash with Finnish side Ilves Tampere will go ahead in Dublin in eight days' time.
Finland is poised to reintroduce travel restrictions to Ireland to all but essential travellers and that could mean Rovers' opponents would have to quarantine on returning home.
Rovers' reading of UEFA regulations that were issued on August 4 is that their opponents would have to forfeit if they decide not to travel.
However, UEFA must approve venues and do have the right to pick an alternative. The development could also affect Ireland's home game against Finland next month, although that fixture could be deemed 'essential'. And due to changes in Lithuania's green list, Derry City's European clash with FK Riteriai, which was to go ahead in Vilnius next Tuesday, may also be under threat.
