Football club coronavirus carriers ‘show no signs of illness whatsoever’

A player at Tandragee Rovers FC, and a fan who is related to him, have both contracted Covid-19.

It is believed they got it from a player from Portadown’s Hanover FC, whose own case may be connected to a recent trip to Italy.

The Tandragee player and spectator had been in the company of the Hanover player the weekend before last.

Steven Sterritt, youth co-ordinator at Tandragee Rovers, said after the Hanover player tested positive the Tandragee duo got tested.

Mr Sterritt said: “They’re fine. They’ve no symptoms at all.

“I believe neither are unwell or showing any symptoms – which is very, very strange – but still tested positive , therefore it’s in their system.

“They’re in isolation at the minute ... it’s maybe been in their system early and hasn’t affected them.

“But it’s the worry of passing it on. Outside of football and whatnot, I don’t know who they’ve come in contact with.”

One is from Portadown, the other from Tandragee and both are in their 20s.

The IFA said on Wednesday that all fixtures, Irish Cup, Irish league and international, are proceeding as planned.

In addition, and Ulster Rugby spokeswoman said it is “pretty much business as usual” for now unless things change.

The next three matches are due to go ahead as planned: Ulster V Dragons at home (March 20), Ulster V Glasgow, away (March 27), and Ulster V Tolouse, away (April 5).