HIBERNIAN have released a statement revealing that the SPFL rejected a request for an additional round of Covid-19 testing before Monday night's Premiership fixture against Celtic.
The Parkhead club have been in crisis mode after defender Christopher Jullien tested positive for coronavirus upon the squad's return from their winter training camp in Dubai, leading to 13 players and three members of the coaching team entering self-isolation.
The Hibs players were reportedly reluctant to play the game as planned given the outbreak of the virus, but the match will go ahead as originally scheduled nonetheless.
Hibernian FC today reiterated it would do everything possible to ensure it meets its duty of care to all players and staff ahead of tonight’s fixture at Celtic Park.
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) January 11, 2021
READ MORE: SFA chief Ian Maxwell defends Celtic's Dubai trip
In a statement on the club's website, Hibs revealed that they had asked the SPFL for another round of testing before Monday night's game at Parkhead - but Scottish football's governing body turned down the request, warning the Leith club that there would be 'severe consequences' if the game didn't go ahead.
The statement read: "Hibernian FC today reiterated it would do everything possible to ensure it meets its duty of care to all players and staff ahead of tonight’s fixture at Celtic Park.
"The club had asked the SPFL and Celtic to carry out an additional round of 'on the day' Covid 19 testing of Celtic players to provide an extra measure of assurance.
"We regarded this as a reasonable request – given the incubation period of the virus – but, unfortunately, our request was refused.
"The request followed 16 members of staff and players at Celtic being told to self-isolate on their return from an overseas training camp to Dubai after a positive result for one player, Christopher Jullien, who is long-term injured and whom we wish a speedy recovery.
Celtic today confirmed that one player has recorded a positive test for covid-19. Clearly the player will receive all our care and full support.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 10, 2021
All other members of our squad, management team and backroom squad are negative.
READ MORE: Chris Sutton lashes out at Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell over Celtic's Dubai trip
"The SPFL made clear that not fulfilling the fixture would have severe consequences for Hibernian.
"The club also notes that we are being asked to fulfil this fixture less than two weeks from our Betfred Cup semi-final.
"We have been assured by the SPFL that any Covid 19 issues that may arise from fulfilling this fixture will be taken into account, and the semi-final postponed if required.
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