Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: As a precautionary measure against Coronavirus, the Goa Football Association has issued guidelines to referees on similar lines to that of the other footballing associations around the world.
In a letter to the referees vice chairman, the GFA stated that “With 61 persons testing positive for Coronavirus in India from Kerala, Karnataka, Pune and the possibility of more cases coming up, it would be appropriate to take the following measures in order to contain the possible spread of the Coronavirus in Goa:
1: Avoid shaking hands during the introduction of players before the start of the match; 2: Avoid shaking hands during the toss of coin with the captains of the teams.; 3: Discourage hugging between players during the celebration of a goal; 4: Discourage players from drinking water from the same bottle during the water break/interval/end of play.”
“Request the players to avoid participating in the matches if they have febrile condition, sore throat, cough and cold, respiratory problems. (This is for the dub management to take care of),” stated GFA in the letter.
“There is no need to panic as the government authorities are doing their best to face the challenge of the Coronavirus and we need to cooperate so that we con combat it effectively,” concluded the letter.
With the players already being instructed on the field, it would be advisable to fans to avoid sitting in groups and to take extra precautions in the stands.
