Premier League clash cancelled by Covid crisis
ENGLISH football has been left reeling by a host of further coronavirus outbreaks, including one at Manchester City which forced their Premier League game at Everton to be postponed just four hours before kick-off last night
The bleak news ahead of the Goodison Park game came as Doncaster’s next three League One matches were wiped out, Rochdale and Morecambe announced that their next two games had been postponed due to Covid-19, while five games were unable to take place in the fifth-tier National League on yesterday.
Everton said in a statement last night that the postponement was regrettable and they would ask the Premier League for a full explanation of the decision-making process.
The statement read: “Everton Football Club regret the postponement of the match against Manchester City — not only for the 2,000 fans who would have been attending, but for supporters on Merseyside and across the world.
“Our players were prepared for the game, as were both the team staff and everyone at Goodison. Matchday is the most important date in our calendar. And this was a big one.
“Whilst Everton will always have public safety uppermost, we will be requesting full disclosure of all the information that Manchester City provided to the Premier League so the club can be clear on why this decision was taken.”
City had said earlier: “With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.
“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the fixture.”
The Premier League, in agreeing to the postponement, insisted the health of players and staff was paramount.
“The board agreed to rearrange the game as a precaution, and further testing will now take place (on Tuesday),” said a statement. “The decision has been taken with the health of players and staff the priority.”
The fixture is the second Premier League game to be called off this season due to positive tests for coronavirus, Aston Villa and Newcastle having been the first on December 4, due to cases within the Magpies’ camp.