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Coronavirus Scotland: Scots footballers including Darvel stars break lockdown with illegal training session at Mar Hall

FOOTIE players stretch government rules by taking part in a training session — hours after league bosses warned it was illegal.

Around 20 aces including ten from Darvel FC were spotted doing sessions on pitches at Mar Hall hotel on Wednesday.

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 The footballers took part in a training session hours after league chiefs warned it was illegal
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The footballers took part in a training session hours after league chiefs warned it was illegalCredit: Tom Farmer
 Ten Darvel players were among the group
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Ten Darvel players were among the groupCredit: Tom Farmer

The West of Scotland League side’s manager Michael Kennedy was also pictured at the get-together in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

League chiefs had earlier urged clubs to follow Scottish Government rules banning training.

A warning on their website stated: “To do otherwise would be illegal, contravene a Scottish FA board directive, not be covered by insurance and could result in disciplinary action, and in the restart at semi-professional level being further delayed.”


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A source said it wasn’t the first time the Ayrshire squad had trained at the hotel previously used by the Scotland team.

Club chairman John Gall stressed he was unaware of the players training there and claimed every side at that level was training.

He said: “I can assure you it’s not an official session. They’ll maybe be doing things together to keep fit.

 Darvel boss Michael Kennedy (far left) was also spotted at the training session
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Darvel boss Michael Kennedy (far left) was also spotted at the training sessionCredit: Tom Farmer

"What’s the big issue? Every team at our level is training. I know there’s clubs training at their own ground.”

Sources close to the SFA said Darvel players were not following guidelines.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Full contact training for semi-professional teams is not currently permitted.

"At the moment only full-time professional clubs are permitted.”

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