HIBERNIAN manager Jack Ross has revealed that his players' families were concerned about the prospect of their loved ones facing Celtic on Monday night.
The Premiership champions' plans were thrown into disarray upon their return from their warm winter training camp in Dubai after defender Christopher Jullien tested positive for Covid-19.
That led to 13 first-team players having to self-isolate, alongside manager Neil Lennon and assistant John Kennedy, as the fixture was given the all-clear to go ahead as originally planned.
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: SPFL turned down request for additional Covid testing, say Hibernian
Hibs asked for a further round of testing to be carried out on both sets of players earlier on Monday to reassure their players, who had "reservations" over playing the Glasgow club.
But the SPFL rejected that request, warning the capital side that there would be "severe consequences" if they did not fulfil their fixture as planned.
Speaking to Sky Sports shortly before kick-off, Ross revealed that some of his players' families were concerned for their wellbeing at Celtic Park - adding that as an employer, Hibs have a duty of care towards the squad.
He said: "The difference, compared to previous occasions this season, is that the prevalence of the virus means it’s the first time that players’ families have expressed concerns to the players themselves.
"And that changes the dynamic slightly. As responsible employers, that will force you seek reassurance.
READ MORE: Explained: Why Shane Duffy was allowed to rejoin Celtic bubble after leaving Dubai early
"In terms of the football side, they were always focused on that. But they were well within their rights to express any concerns they had.
"My responsibility is always to my players. I have a responsibility to look after them
"That’s all we did today. And we were well within our rights to do so."
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