Aberdeen players banned by Scottish FA over coronavirus rules

Eight Aberdeen players have been banned for three games by the Scottish FA for breaking coronavirus rules and bringing Scottish football into disrepute.

The players – Jonny Hayes, Mikey Devlin, Scott McKenna, Matty Kennedy, Sam Cosgrove, Dylan McGeouch, Craig Bryson and Bruce Anderson – broke public health guidelines when they visited a city restaurant and pub on August 1.

An independent panel held hearings before ruling that the players had broken the rules and handed down a three match suspension for each.

However, the bans will only take effect if the players break the same rules between now and February 28, 2021.

All eight were charged by the governing body with breaking two rules. The first is that all players are bound to follow Scottish FA regulations at all times, which currently means observing the coronavirus protocols and public health guidelines. The second charge is that their behaviour brought the game into disrepute.

The players’ actions brought condemnation from the Scottish Government and led to the football authorities being told that any further breaches would see the game shut down.

Aberdeen have already fined their players, with the monies being donated to the NHS.

The clubs have also been called to account with Celtic and Aberdeen both facing SPFL disciplinary hearings over incidents.

Manager Derek McInnes said: We are satisfied with the outcome of the SFA disciplinary hearing.

“As I said previously, the players have had their punishment, both from the Club and via public sentiment, and I am grateful we can all now move on from this matter.

“We have an important game to prepare for on Sunday and I’m pleased for my players that they can now solely focus on trying to win a game of football.”