Aberdeen have fined the eight players who breached return to football protocols by visiting a city centre bar and donated the fines to NHS Grampian.
Dons chairman Dave Cormack insists the reprimand of the players reflects on the severity of the breach by Matty Kennedy, Mikey Devlin, Jonny Hayes, Scott McKenna, Bruce Anderson, Sam Cosgrove, Dylan McGeouch and Craig Bryson.
All eight are in isolation after two of them tested positive for the coronavirus following their visit to a city centre bar on August 1.
Cormack said: “These players have been severely reprimanded and fined heavily. Contractually, the specifics must remain confidential between the club and each player but, rest assured, the financial fines are in line with the severity of the consequences of their actions.
“The club has chosen to donate these fines to NHS Grampian.
“We fully appreciate the outpouring of dismay and anger by those who have been impacted by this virus, by those who have worked selflessly to protect us and by our fans, who have, despite health and financial worries, supported the club with their hard-earned cash during this period.
“Their actions were indefensible but the investigation has been completed, they have apologised, they have been punished by the club, and are suffering the humiliation that goes with making a mistake in the public eye.”
The Dons have resisted taking action until an investigation into the events of August 1 was completed and while recognising the eight players were guilty of a major breach of government guidance Cormack is satisfied they are full of remorse and realise the extent of their actions.
He said: “These players made a huge mistake. They not only went against government guidance but also breached our own Covid-19 procedures, set out by the club to all players and staff.
“Due to the privilege that has been afforded to professional footballers, and having witnessed the outrage and anger their actions provoked, they are in no doubt that they have let themselves and the Club down.
“They are truly sorry and have apologised unreservedly to the First Minster, health and footballing authorities, the fans, the manager, the rest of the squad, our staff and board and the wider community.”
Due to the contrition shown by the players the Dons chairman hopes they are given the opportunity to make amends on the field when they return to action.
Cormack said: “The club, like every employer, has a duty of care to its staff and we must also consider the wellbeing of these players, who continue to face an ongoing barrage of criticism and personal abuse from many quarters.
“They’ve been taught the harshest of lessons and have the chance to redeem themselves and help demonstrate that the club is better and bigger than this regrettable episode.
“I can only hope that Dons fans and the Aberdeen community will remember the tremendously positive work the club and trust, including staff, volunteers and the players, have delivered during this pandemic, and help us all heal from this.”
