Bohemians admit error as video emerges of training session at Fr Collins Park

Premier Division Bohemians have admitted that they made an error in having two training groups on one pitch at once.

A video emerged on social media yesterday showing the two groups training at the same time, leading to Bohs releasing a statement on Wednesday evening to clarify their position.  

Despite Department of Health guidelines saying that gatherings of up to four people are allowed in an outdoor setting, the FAI’s view of the matter is different.

Bohemians said that they have been following the Department of Health’s guidelines rather than those set out by the FAI’s Dr Alan Byrne.

“While we respect Dr Byrne’s advice, expertise and professionalism absolutely, the club made the collective decision to operate under the guidance of the government Roadmap and Department of Health guidelines,” the Phibsborough outfit said in a statement

“Compliant with those guidelines, Bohemians players have, since Monday May 18, on six separate days, met in groups of three in public parks around the city.

“These groups of players were assembled in a way that respects the 5km travel rule that remains in place, while strict measures, which can be seen below, were put in place to enable this to happen in a safe manner.”

The club added: “These measures include players travelling to location on their own, players maintaining social-distancing, while procedures were put in place for the use and sanitisation of any equipment used.

“While it was an error to have two groups at the same venue at the same time, a distance of 20 metres was maintained between the two groups at all times.

“All club stakeholders involved have agreed that there will only be one group of three plus one coach per park/location until the FAI’s agreed date for the club to return to collective training on Monday June 8.”