Grimsby Town FC fined for coronavirus safety breaches

The breach led to the postponement of three fixtures against Cheltenham, Bradford and Hull City back in September.

The entire squad was placed into self-isolation after midfielder Jock Curran tested positive for Covid-19.

The EFL investigation found that social distancing rules were broken at the team’s Cheapside training ground, when they were permitted to congregate in communal areas.

Players are thought to have also been car sharing during this period.

It was also found that only two players actually needed to go into self-isolation, meaning that fixtures could have been fulfilled after all.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch has urged other clubs to behave responsibly and avoid another suspension.

He said:

“As a result of the emergence of a more virulent strain of the virus, it is more important than ever that all club staff and players vigilantly follow the processes we have worked hard to develop to keep our competitions on track and avoid a suspension, similar to the one encountered in March 2020, and the implications, particularly financial, associated with such a drastic course of action.

“I am therefore personally asking you to re-double your efforts, to check, amend and tighten your protocol accordingly, and ensure that players and staff are left in no doubt as to their responsibilities on matchdays.”

Grimsby Town have now received a fine of just under £5,000, which has been suspended until June 30.

They are also subject to a bill from the EFL for £13,000 covering the cost of the investigation, and will face charges from the sides they were due to face.

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