Tyrone have pulled out of their All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Kerry next weekend due to a crippling Covid crisis in the camp, leaving the GAIA with a predicament over the 2021 football championship.
The move may lead to Kerry receiving a bye to the final against either Dublin or Mayo, who play their semi-final on Saturday evening at 6pm. The Kerry v Tyrone match was initially scheduled for Sunday but then postponed until next weekend due to the Covid outbreak in the Ulster champions squad.
The Ulster champions had requested a two-week postponement, but the GAA only moved the match by six days, to Saturday, August 21st.
A statement from Tyrone GAA said: “This morning, the Tyrone GAA Management Committee has decided that it is not in a position to field its senior football team in the rescheduled All-Ireland football championship semi-final in Croke Park, on next Saturday.
“Having received expert medical opinion on the existing, and future health and welfare of the players who contracted the Covid-19 virus during the period of this last two weeks, and following consultation with the team’s management, this decision has been made with the greatest reluctance, and with deep regret.
“It is acknowledged that the decision taken will cause major disappointment and significant inconvenience for the Association, in general, the GAA fraternity of Kerry, and especially for Tyrone’s patrons and supporters, but the welfare and safety of players has been the over-riding factor in all considerations of this difficult situation.”
