XtraTime Web Desk – Just before ISL is about to start, a sudden black cloud seems to appear as couple of players from NorthEast United tests positive for Coronavirus. As a result, NorthEast United manager Gerard Nus called off their practice sessions.
Fans are asking some serious questions on social media about the bio-bubble security. People are skeptical of the system and also wondering about the future of the club in this year’s Indian Super League.
Just on Saturday, NorthEast United beat Hyderabad FC 2-1 in a friendly match to warm themselves up before ISL. Just after that, they were examined and two of the players were tested positive. Now, all the players are in self Quarantine, just two days before the league starts.
Speaking to TOI, an official from the club said, “We had two sessions inside the room. In the morning, we focused on lower strength while evening was dedicated to HIIT (high intensity interval training)”.
Another official on Tuesday said that, “It’s really surprising that there was an infection while being inside the bubble. Everyone goes through rigorous checks before entering the bubble”.
It’s been heard that all the other teams have their own services while NorthEast United uses that of their hotel.
ISL is strict with their Covid-19 policy as the Health and Safety guidelines of ISL reads, “All bubble members who are not close contacts and have test 1 and 2 negative can re-join the bubble only for outdoor training. All meals will be in individual rooms and there will not be any indoor group activities. All transport to training will be in vehicle with windows down and masks will be worn at all times, except when training and in their own individual rooms. Once test no. 3 results are back and are negative, those without close contact can return to all training, meals etc as before with 72 hourly testing”.
NorthEast United is scheduled to face Mumbai City FC on 21st of November, match day 2 of this year’s ISL. However, it is expected to reschedule it to a later date.