Athlone Town investigating alleged Covid regulation breach by two players

Athlone Town are due to play Galway United on Friday night. Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

Athlone Town have announced that they are investigating claims that two of their players travelled abroad during the mid-season break.

The unnamed players are members of the Town’s senior men’s squad but the club have said that the pair have not been in close contact with other members of the team and staff in recent weeks.

Their last involvement with the squad was before the club’s most recent game on Friday, 28 May.

Adrian Carberry’s side are set to take on Galway United this Friday night but the two players involved will not be included in the match-day squad, the club has revealed.

Athlone Town statement in full:

“Athlone Town AFC can today (June 9th) confirm that it is investigating allegations that two members of the club's men's senior squad travelled overseas during the mid-season break.

“The club will look thoroughly into the allegations in order to establish the true factual situation, and see if any further steps need to be taken.

“We will not be identifying the players during the currency of the formal investigation.

“The club accepts that the allegations are serious, especially in light of the current travel advice regarding combat the Covid19 pandemic, issued by the government.

“The club can confirm that prior to the break no member of our staff or any of our players asked for permission to leave the country.



“In advance of the break players were given advices from various parties that any travel outside of Ireland during the break should be agreed with clubs.

“Had anyone associated with the club sought permission, consent would not have been given, unless such travel was absolutely necessary.

“The club would also like to point out that the two players at the centre of the allegations have not been in close contact with other members of our first team squad and staff for some weeks.

“They were last involved with the Men's Senior Team on a date prior to our most recent game, against UCD on May 28th last, and before their alleged departure overseas.

“In addition, they will not be included in our match-day squad for our forthcoming game away to Galway United.

“We will issue a further statement on this issue at a later date.”



    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile