Dundee United coronavirus saga takes fresh twist after picture revealed

Dundee United are facing questions over their coronavirus protocols after an image surfaced of a team photo at Tannadice.

United were last in action at Tannadice on November 21 (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

The Tangerines placed their entire coaching staff in isolation earlier this week as a precaution following positive COVID-19 test results and now have a further nine first-team players in quarantine ahead of tomorrow’s SPFL match with Livingston.

However an image, appearing to show the squad and staff in close proximity for a group photograph fronted by manager Micky Mellon, assistant Stephen Frail and captain Mark Reynolds, has now been uncovered by the local press on Tayside, prompting questions over the club’s protocols. It is suggested by the Dundee Courier that the team shot was taken on Friday, November 27.

Rules allowing Scottish football’s return from the coronavirus shutdown do permit players to breach the two metre social distancing guidelines for training and match scenarios, but correct distancing procedures should be followed at all other times.

United's next home fixture is next Sunday against Rangers. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Kilmarnock and St Mirren were both punished for breaching distancing rules at team meals and matchday coach travel with 3-0 defeats given out earlier this week for the three matches the clubs had postponed. The pair were also given suspended fines of £40,000 for their breaches – but are considering their options for appeal.

United have not identified the nine players unavailable for tomorrow’s match at the Tony Macaroni Arena, but despite the absences and midweek disruption to training, the match is still scheduled to go ahead.

Thomas Courts, the head of tactical performance in the Tangerines’ academy, has assumed control of the team in the absence of the first-team staff.

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