SUNDERLAND PLAY ON DESPITE LOSING EIGHT MEN TO COVID

tried to postpone last night’s home game against AFC Wimbledon after a Covid-19 outbreak saw them lose eight players — but they could not reach an agreement with the EFL. One senior player has tested positive and seven others were deemed ‘close contacts’, two of whom are displaying symptoms. The EFL told the club they could postpone the League One fixture, but that it would be subject to an investigation. Sunderland say they took the decision to play due to the ‘lack of clarity’ as to the sanctions they could face. After the 1-1 draw, boss Lee Johnson said: ‘It’s unbelievable we had to play. We got no help from the EFL — quite the opposite, in fact. It was dangerous for the players. I feel the EFL have let us down.’

Sunderland, who made five changes to their line-up, came from behind to draw — Bailey Wright levelling after Joe Pigott’s first-half penalty. But should more positive tests emerge in the coming days, it will leave the EFL and the Sunderland hierarchy with serious questions to answer. A club statement before the game said: ‘Sunderland will be without eight firstteam players following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Academy of Light. After displaying symptoms of coronavirus on Sunday, one senior player has returned a positive test and is observing a period of isolation. In line with Government advice, seven other first-team players are also self-isolating at home — two of which have displayed symptoms — after coming into close proximity with the individual who has tested positive. Due to the severity of the impact this has had on the team’s preparations for Tuesday’s match, the club explored postponing the fixture and engaged in extensive dialogue with the EFL. ‘Disappointingly, an agreement couldn’t be reached due to the lack of clarity regarding potential sanctions (we) could face in the event that the fixture was unfulfilled. ‘Since returning to training ahead of the 2020-21 season, (we have) adhered to all of the advice and guidance provided by the Government and the EFL. The club will not be naming individuals who are self-isolating and asks that their privacy is respected.’