Wayne Rooney: Derby player-coach in coronavirus confusion
Written by News on 19/10/2020
Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a coronavirus confusion after being visited by a friend who had been instructed to be tested for Covid-19 and was later found to have the disease.
In the initial report from The Sun it was said the former England captain – now player-coach at Sky Bet Championship side Derby – was “seething” after infected entrepreneur Josh Bardsley visited him at his luxury mansion on Thursday to give him a watch.
A spokesperson for Rooney has confirmed the visit to Sky Sports News and said “Wayne was not told by Josh or anyone else before or during that visit that Josh had been told to take a coronavirus test”.
Rooney, who is married to television personality Coleen and has four children, was unaware of any Covid-related concerns connected with Bardsley, and played in Derby’s 1-0 home loss to Watford a day after the visit on Friday evening.
“Had he known Josh had been contacted by Track and Trace or had tested positive he would have refused to have seen him,” the statement from Rooney’s spokesperson said.
“Wayne is angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of government and NHS guidelines. He is now taking a coronavirus test as a result of his contact with Josh.”
Government guidelines say anyone who has been in contact with a person who has tested positive must self-isolate for 14 days.
It is likely, at the least, the Derby and Watford squads along with their support staff will be forced to take tests. Rooney has already indicated he will take a test.
Derby did not name Rooney but confirmed in a club statement they were aware of the reports and would be following guidelines.
“Derby County Football Club is aware of a report in a national newspaper relating to a member of the club’s playing squad being in contact with an individual which has tested positive for Covid-19,” it read.
“On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL Covid-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under.
“The club will continue to adhere to the Covid-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff.
“The club will make no further comment unless a further update is required in relation to this matter.”
(c) Sky Sports 2020: Wayne Rooney: Derby player-coach in coronavirus confusion
