FURIOUS Arsenal are demanding a government probe after Kieran Tierney was caught up in a Scottish Covid-19 outbreak.
Health chiefs have ordered the £25million full-back to self-isolate in Scotland for 14 days following countryman Stuart Armstrong’s positive test for the virus.
Kieran Tierney has been told he must self-isolate for 14 days but Arsenal are seeking clarificationCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Tierney and Celtic’s Ryan Christie have both been told to quarantine because they spent time playing PlayStation games in the same room as Southampton midfielder Armstrong on Monday.
But “frustrated” Tierney – who has tested negative – insists he has not broken any coronavirus rules and Arsenal want answers over why he has been targeted.
The Gunners are now desperately trying get permission for Tierney – who now faces missing the crucial Premier League clash at Manchester City on October 17 – to travel back to London.
Stunned Tierney, 23, said: “I’m so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation.
“I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from my team-mates in the hotel.
“I have also tested negative for Covid and I know that Arsenal and the SFA are now in discussions with the Scottish authorities to gain a further understanding.”
Armstrong provided a positive test to the Scotland team doctor ahead of their crucial Euro qualifier against Israel tonight.
Celtic are also fuming Christie has been told to quarantine.
An Arsenal spokesman said: “Our medical team have confirmed that Kieran was socially distant at all times from the player who tested positive and has broken no rules regarding Covid-19 protocols.
“We are currently seeking further advice and clarification of the details.”
A Celtic spokesman added: “Ryan has reiterated his adherence to all relevant protocols while on international duty.
“In light of this, Celtic aim to open dialogue with the Scottish Government to fully understand the self-isolation procedures for those players who continue to deliver negative test results, as Ryan has.”
Tierney still has a property in the Glasgow area from his time as a Celtic player and has been told to stay in the house and not have contact with anyone.
But because the player has already provided three negative coronavirus tests this week and another which shows he has developed antibodies to the illness, Arsenal are hoping to get authorisation to get him back to London in a private car.
Arsenal’s medical team are understood to be deeply unhappy with the developments because they have worked so hard to protect the squad since manager Mikel Arteta became the first football figure to go down with the virus back in March.
Ironically, Arteta had warned the return of international duty could be “bad news” as players leave the Premier League’s Covid-19 bubble, adding: “We all know the issue is still there when everyone has to fly away to different countries.”
The club take on Manchester City in a crunch clash on October 17, just ten days away, with Tierney currently set to be unavailable.
Ironically, Armstrong must only self-isolate for ten days from yesterday meaning he could turn out for Southampton at Chelsea on the same day.
Stuart Armstrong, left, returned a positive test but Ryan Christie, right, tested negativeCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
As well as the three players, a physio from the Scottish FA and a masseur who were in contact with Armstrong have also been ordered to self-isolate for two weeks.
It is understood that the Scottish FA have apologised to Arsenal and manager Steve Clarke said: “While this is obviously disappointing news, the most important thing is the health and safety of the individuals involved and the wider group.
“As soon as we were informed of the positive test, the chief medical consultant immediately contacted the Scottish Government’s clinical adviser, who alerted the local health protection team.
“We have informed the respective clubs from whom we have borrowed the players and backroom staff and we now have to prepare for a huge match ahead.”
Meanwhile, Southampton have told their players who have not gone away on international duty to train at home today in light of Armstrong’s positive test.
That will allow a deep-clean of the club’s Staplewood training ground to be carried out.
Southampton said in a statement: “The club are taking sensible precautions at Staplewood Campus whilst offering Stuart our full support.”
Arsenal fans fume as FIFA 21 ratings are revealed with Kieran Tierney just 78 same as flop Sead Kolasinac
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
