SFA apologizes to Hibernian & Hamilton for involving Graeme Stewart

Graeme Stewart

, the assistant referee, was in charge of

’s 2-0 victory over Hamilton, notwithstanding the fact that he had close contact with

David Roome

, who tested positive for Covid-19.

The duo have been assistants to

Robby madden

in Greece in a clash between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos on Sunday.

However, it was only a few hours before the start of the game when Madden was removed from

’s 1-0 loss to

on Sunday.

An SFA statement read: "

Upon further investigation by the Scottish FA's medical consultant they [Madden, Stewart and Roome] have been considered close contacts under Scottish Government regulations.

"As a result, all three match officials must now undertake 10 days of self-isolation dated from Monday 15 February, as the date of last contact for Bobby and Graeme, and from Tuesday 16, the date of the positive test for David."

Having Stewart involved in the Hibs’ Scottish Premiership clash against Hamilton was not a wise choice according to the coronavirus restrictions, although he has tested negative this week.

According to the SFA statement "

no players or members of team staff involved in yesterday's match have been identified as close contacts of Graeme

".

Ian Maxwell, SFA CEO, has apologized to the clubs involved, saying: "

While the circumstances are complex the reality is that under Scottish Government guidelines all match officials involved in the trip should be considered close contacts.

"I have reiterated that the positive case and subsequent contact tracing should have been undertaken in line with the Scottish Government's guidelines and the established system utilised by ESCAG (Elite Sports Clinical Advisory Group).

"I have tonight apologised to Hibernian and Hamilton Academical for the unnecessary risk of having an assistant referee at a match when he should have been self-isolating, however much it is mitigated by two negative tests in the build-up to the match.

"As part of an internal review, I have asked the respective departments to ensure we maintain the highest standards of compliance relevant to Scottish Government protocols."

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