Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes his hit out at the hypocrisy of those lending their support to docking his club points because eight players breached protocol by visiting a city centre bar together.
Hibernian owner Ron Gordon has said he would not be against a points deduction being used against clubs whose players have breached protocols during an in-house interview with his club website.
Boli Bolingoli of Celtic breached protocol by taking a trip to Spain and failing to quarantine upon his return while two of the eight Dons players who went out after the opening day defeat to Rangers have tested positive for the coronavirus leading to Aberdeen’s last three matches being postponed.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon hit back at Gordon saying people in glass houses should not throw stones while McInnes, who is set to lead his Dons side on their return to duty against St Johnstone in the first of their rearranged games on Thursday at McDiarmid Park, believes some of those criticising his players should be grateful they avoided scrutiny.
Responding directly to Gordon’s comments the Dons boss said: “It is easy for people to say certain things sitting from their position but ultimately it could be any club that has to suffer this and he has to be careful with what he is saying.
“The individual behaviour is where we have to focus and concentrate on.
“Right across the country, it’s not just footballers or people in football who let their guard down over the last few weeks and we need to make that clear right across all walks of life. A lot of people have made comment need to look at themselves too, people in high positions have not been squeaky clean themselves.
“In terms of sanctions we have got be careful. There are a lot of hypocritical people out there who took a huge sigh of relief in Scottish football that we were the ones caught and we’ve had to take the full consequences of that but not everybody has been squeaky clean in general and we’re aware of that.
“It’s important other clubs have that understanding and sympathy. We’ve not been reckless or careless. Sometimes these things happen and it could be Hibs next time, it could be anybody.”
McInnes is satisfied his club’s protocols stand up to the sternest of scrutiny but insists the Dons have been committed to reminding all employees of the need to protect themselves from future exposure.
He said: “Our club, if you ask the JRG, all the protocol people looking at us whether it is the SPFL or SFA, we’ve been at the forefront of doing things right here. We know at Cormack Park and Pittodrie we are safeguarding every employee.
“The virus is still out there and you can pick it up. We have to make sure every employee is fully aware of that and guarded against that.
“We know any player or member of staff can pick up this virus. We’ve just got to minimise the risk.
“We’re reinforcing key messaging about what we can and can’t do and whatever comes our way. As a club we’ve already taken a kicking and we don’t want to be exposed like that again.”
