Hibs regret Covid-19 test delay as they apologise to fuming Ross County over cancelled friendly

Hibs have issued an apology to Ross County after a delay in receiving the results of coronavirus tests forced the Easter Road side to call off a friendly between the two teams at the eleventh hour.

The Dingwall outfit had agreed to participate in a bounce match at the Capital club’s East Mains training complex at 2pm on Saturday July 18, and a number of Staggies players and staff were already at the East Lothian base when the game was cancelled.

It is understood that some County team members were told en route to East Mains that there might be an issue with the Covid-19 test results, and spent more than an hour parked up in Perth before Hibs confirmed the game wouldn’t go ahead.

Jack Ross’ side have already played two pre-season friendlies, a 1-1 draw with St Mirren and a goalless draw against St Johnstone, but the Victoria Park side have managed just one bounce game against Aberdeen, and Ross County officials were said to be furious with their Easter Road counterparts.

Hibs have insisted they apologised for the disruption, and were simply following guidelines set out by the Scottish FA, SPFL, and Scottish Government regarding the virus.

A spokesperson said: “We regret having had to call off Saturday’s bounce game with Ross County at short notice and are sorry that their players and staff travelled in vain.

"We made a point of apologising to Ross County at the highest level as soon as we realised that the game could not take place and we have since taken extra precautionary measures to ensure there is no repeat.

"It goes without saying that the health and safety of all those involved comes first."