Hibs call off match with Ross County after Covid testing hitch

Frustration as results arrive back late

New Hibs signing Drey Wright during training.

Hibernian had to call off a pre-season friendly against Ross County on Saturday after their coronavirus test results failed to turn up on time.

The frustrated and disappointed Premiership sides were scheduled to play a closed doors game but despite completing mandated tests on players and staff on Thursday, the Easter Road club did not receive the required clearance and the fixture had to be abandoned.

Testing criteria changed this week, with the process moving from twice weekly to once a week.

Hibs have been conducting the tests on Thursdays up until now but with the company who is overseeing the process for a number of Scottish clubs having to send samples down south, it is understood that this week’s results were delayed.

When the results failed to turn up on Saturday morning, the club, who are adapting to the tough, new demands for social distancing on matchdays by installing a temporary dressing room and showers in the South Stand concourse, immediately contacted their Highland opponents.

With competitive action just two weeks away, and with less frequent tests required, the Easter Road outfit say they will now test earlier in the week to guard against similar disruptions in future.