Coronavirus: Linfield player has contracted illness confirms Belfast club

Linfield are the defending Irish Premiership champions

A Linfield player has tested positive for coronavirus, the Irish Premiership club confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, Linfield chairman Roy McGivern told BBC Sport NI that a player had chosen to self-isolate after having contact with someone who had the virus.

Linfield announced later on Tuesday that its unnamed player had also contracted the virus.

"Linfield FC can confirm that one of our players has tested positive for coronavirus," said a statement.

"This club is taking advice from the relevant authorities and will provide an update when we have further details."

Linfield chairman McGivern described the development as "very unpleasant news".

"The priority now is to look after the welfare of our players and staff. Issues around football will be addressed in due course," said Mr McGivern.

The Northern Ireland Football League said they had noted Linfield's confirmation of the illness and it will "continue to communicate with the club and await further information from the health authorities before any further decisions or action are taken."

The Linfield squad member was in contact with a player from Portadown-based junior football club Hanover FC, who tested positive for the virus.

It was confirmed over the weekend that a player from Portadown-based club Hanover FC had tested positive for cononavirus.

The diagnosis was made after he had played in a Mid Ulster Football League game against Tyrone club Coagh United's reserves.

BBC Sport understands that a deep clean of Linfield's Windsor Park stadium has now begun and that the ground will be closed for the next two days.

The Irish Premiership champions are scheduled to face Larne at Windsor Park on Saturday.