Adelaide Crows under investigation over virus flight controversy
The Adelaide Crows have asked the AFL to investigate after they were tipped off about players and staff not wearing masks properly on a recent flight.
The AFL season is a week-to-week prospect amid the coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne, with clubs travelling interstate under particular scrutiny due to fears they may inadvertently spread the virus.
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After facing the Richmond Tigers in Sydney, a fixture that was moved to accomodate the lockdown on Melbourne, the Crows flew back to Adelaide on Sunday.
But after getting a tip-off that some player and staff were not correctly wearing masks, the Crows contacted the AFL and asked them to investigate.
"The club also acknowledges the government requirement for people to wear masks in airports and on all domestic commercial flights to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19," a Crows statement read.
"Our coaches, players and staff understand it is a privilege to be playing football during these times, as well as the need to adhere to protocols and guidance from health authorities.
"The club is fully cooperating with the league and awaits the findings of the investigation."
Adelaide will host Collingwood on Saturday, with the Magpies receiving an exemption to fly to South Australia with Melbourne still under lockdown.
After a disastrous season in 2020, during which they won just three matches, the Crows already appear to have taken steps forward in 2021.
Heading into round 12, the Crows have a 4-7 record, but significantly trail the top eight on percentage.
Crows to quarantine after Round 12 AFL game
Adelaide's players and staffers will enter a strict 48-hour quarantine period after playing Collingwood in Saturday's AFL match.
Crows players and officials will be barred from going anywhere but their homes and their club for two recovery sessions after hosting the Magpies at Adelaide Oval.
The restrictions have been imposed after the South Australian government granted Collingwood an exemption to play the fixture.
SA has closed its border to Victorians amid Melbourne's coronavirus outbreak.
"We're extremely grateful we have got the opportunity to play in our home state this weekend in front of a crowd and we will do everything that is needed to keep that safe," Crows coach Matthew Nicks told reporters on Thursday.
"We are having COVID tests regularly to make sure that we're able to keep the virus out of the football club.
"But this week is an interesting one.
"Post-game is the most important after we have had contact with the Collingwood Football Club that are coming from Melbourne.
"We will go into a quarantine for 48 hours as a football club.
"Our players will be able to go to our facility and do recovery on the Sunday and the Monday but other than that we won't be leaving our houses.
"As a coach ... I won't leave the house to go anywhere - shops, cafes - the only place I will be is in the car to work which is our facility at West Lakes and the home.
"And that will be the same for our players for the first 48 hours or until at least we're advised by the authorities and SA Health that we can come out of those restrictions."
With AAP
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