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Sports News of Tuesday, 3 March 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Coronavirus: SPFL, Scottish FA place ban handshakes

Rangers and Celtic bosses Steven Gerrard (L) & Neil Lennon (R) shaking    | Sky Sports Rangers and Celtic bosses Steven Gerrard (L) & Neil Lennon (R) shaking | Sky Sports

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish FA have placed a ban on shaking of hands across the Scottish football leagues in order to prevent the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, according to Sky Sports report.

As a result of the joint decision, clubs, coaches and match officials have been suspended from pre and post-match handshakes in matches until further notice as a coronavirus precaution.

The delay virus has forced other football leagues and sporting activities to be cancelled, notably, some Italian Seria matches.

Newcastle United and Wolves of the English Premier League have also placed a ban on handshakes as well as signing autographs and taking of selfies, respectively.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, said: "The safety of everyone involved in attending or participating in a major football event is our foremost consideration and given the developing situation locally and internationally, it is incumbent on the football authorities to speak with one voice in providing guidance and reassurance to stakeholders. This applies to matches hosted here in Scotland but also for teams participating in competitions outwith the country.

"Our Medical Consultant is in regular dialogue with experts and colleagues across the UK and beyond and we will be guided by the U.K. Chief Medical Officer as well as Dr Catherine Calderwood, the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

"While it is important to stress that the current government advice states the risk to individuals is moderate, nonetheless we are starting to see the impact the spread of the virus is having, with the postponement of sporting events across Europe."

The guidance takes effect immediately, with the Edinburgh derby clash between Hibs and Hearts and the huge relegation battle at the bottom of the Championship between Partick Thistle and Queen of the South the first affected.

Sky Sports