Arsenal-City game called off due to coronavirus contact
LONDON (AP):
MEMBERS OF Arsenal’s playing squad went into self-isolation in a coronavirus precautionary move, forcing the postponement of the Premier League game at Manchester City yesterday.
It is the first game to be called off since the outbreak of the virus in the English top division, which has not played games without fans, unlike in other parts of Europe. It was also the first time players in a major sports league had gone into isolation because of possible exposure.
The decision was taken because of the low risk of infection after Arsenal players came into contact with a rival team owner, who announced Tuesday that he had contracted COVID-19. They met Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis after the Greek team won at Arsenal in the Europa League on February 27.
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“The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing COVID-19 at extremely low,” Arsenal said in a statement. “However, we are strictly following the government guidelines, which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should selfisolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact.
“As a result, the players are unavailable for tonight’s match against Manchester City and the
Premier League has decided the game should be postponed. The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires. Four Arsenal staff, who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match, will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete.”
Arsenal did not say how many players were affected but did not indicate an immediate threat to the next game going ahead on Saturday – more than two weeks after the contact with Marinakis.
“We look forward to the players and staff returning to work on Friday (tomorrow) in preparation for our match at Brighton,” Arsenal said.
The Premier League is talking to government officials about contingencies for shutting fans out of stadiums but has yet to announce the need for that, saying City-Arsenal is a one-off postponement.
“All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches,” the league said in a statement.
Since Arsenal players came into contact with Marinakis, Arsenal have played an FA Cup game at Portsmouth and hosted West Ham in the Premier League.
Marinakis, who is also owner of Nottingham Forest, went to the English second-tier club’s game in London against Millwall on Friday. The club said he was diagnosed on Monday after first showing symptoms on his return to Greece.