LINFIELD Football Club last night confirmed that one of its players has tested positive for coronavirus.
It was also reported that a deep clean of its Windsor Park stadium had begun and it will be closed for the next two days.
In a statement, the club said only that a player had tested positive for the virus and it is "taking advice from the relevant authorities and will provide an update when we have further details".
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern tweeted: "Very unpleasant news that one of our players has tested positive for Covid-19. The priority now is to look after the welfare of our players and staff. Issues around football will be addressed in due course."
It emerged earlier that a Linfield player had not taken part in a training session on Monday as a precaution.
He was reported to be former Northern Ireland international Ryan McGivern, who previously played for Hibernian in Scotland and several English clubs.
The Newry-born defender was said to have chosen to self-isolate after coming in recent contact with a player from Portadown-based Hanover FC who tested positive for coronavirus.
His diagnosis was confirmed hours after playing in a Mid Ulster Football League game against Coagh United reserves in Co Tyrone.
Linfield, the Premiership champions and league leaders, are scheduled to face Larne at Windsor Park on Saturday.
The NI Football League said it noted the confirmation that one of its players had tested positive and "we will continue to communicate with the club and await further information from the health authorities before any further decisions or action are taken".
Meanwhile, another Co Armagh soccer club has confirmed that a relative of a player with coronavirus has also tested positive.
Tandragee Rovers revealed on Monday that one of its senior players had the virus.
In a statement yesterday, it said a relative of the player who had watched a weekend game had also become infected.
"The person watched the first team game against Laurelvale from inside the clubhouse on Saturday," it said.
"Please note that anyone that was in the clubhouse on Saturday afternoon between the hours of 2pm and 4pm and 5pm and 6pm are asked to follow Public Health Authority published guidelines with respect to their health and well-being.
"?If anyone has any concerns they should contact the Public Health Authority on 111 or visit http://www.publichealth.hscni.net."
