Police are investigating a potential breach of Covid rules after Livingston players and staff were spotted eating inside an Aberdeen restaurant.
Players and staff enjoyed a pre-match meal at Tony Macaroni’s in Marischal Square ahead of their 2-0 win against Aberdeen.
Pictures on social media showed the team bus outside the eatery at about 3pm on Tuesday.
One eyewitness said she was “disgusted” after seeing “the whole window side full of them sitting there all with their team logo on show on their tracksuits”
Like a moth to a flame. pic.twitter.com/CkCXKQ2Y6K
— Conal Tracey (@ConalGTracey) February 2, 2021
Bosses at Tony Macaroni issued a statement to say there was “no breach of Covid legislation or guidance” and said the firm had received “confirmation from the SFA that we were able to do so from a legislative perspective”.
A spokesman added: “Our team are trained to a high standard and there are comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff at all times.”
However, in response to the incident, the SFA wrote to clubs to remind them to comply with Scottish Government guidance and said meals at stand-alone restaurants were not permitted under the rules.
Clubs have been told that pre-match meals can only take place in stadiums or in hotels where teams are staying overnight.
Adherence to social distancing measures and public health guidance is also required.
An SFA spokesman said: “The Joint Response Group has written today to clubs to remind them of the Scottish Government’s guidance on the use of restaurants within an elite sporting context.”
The suspected breach was reported to both Aberdeen City Council’s trading standards team and the police.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that they were investigating whether this was a breach of Covid regulations.
She said: “We were made aware of a football team present within a restaurant in the city centre on Tuesday.
“We’re conducting inquiries to establish if any coronavirus restrictions were breached.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegations involving a football club and a city restaurant and have passed our findings to the Scottish Government.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further.”
A Scottish Government spokesman added: “We are aware of this incident and have discussed it with Police Scotland and local authority representatives.
“We have reminded the football authorities of the obligations and restrictions on clubs at this time.”
All restaurants in Scotland are unable to serve customers inside the premises due to the lockdown regulations in the country.
Tony Macaroni is one of Livingston’s main sponsors, with their ground named after them.
One of the perks of this deal is that players can enjoy pre-match meals at the Italian diner.
Livingston FC declined to comment when approached, however, tonight issued a statement on their club website.
The club says they are “deeply disappointed” but welcomed the investigation.
Livingston FC said they understand the privileges that come with operating in elite sport and that the club received written approval from authorities on January 12 to use Tony Macaroni restaurants for pre-match meals.
The statement continued to say: “Today, we received an update from the SFA/JRG(Joint Response Group) stating that this will no longer be possible.
“This new guidance will prevent all clubs from using restaurants and hotels for pre-match meals, unless staying overnight, where they would class as residents.
“We are sure this new guidance will come as quite the shock to a number of football clubs who have been utilising hotels for pre-match meals.
“While we will continue to comply fully with the latest Scottish Government, JRG, SPFL and Scottish FA guidance, we do not deem this alleged Covid-19 breach to be fair or warranted given we were operating under the latest written guidance and written approval we had at the time.
“The guidance has changed and our stringent club protocols will change also to fully protect our players, staff and wider society.
“We will be making no further comment on the matter and welcome any investigation into the alleged breach.”