Brentford manager calls for weekend shutdown in Premier League Covid fight
Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, has called for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures to be postponed to allow clubs to deal with coronavirus outbreaks.
Frank saw his side’s match against Manchester United on Tuesday called off as the country deals with the Omicron variant, and Burnley’s game at home to Watford on Wednesday became the third Premier League fixture in a week to be postponed.
Brentford have Covid cases of their own to deal with as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Southampton.
“We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend,” he said. “Covid cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs; everyone is dealing with it and having problems.
“To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round [next Tuesday and Wednesday] would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”
Frank was informed midway through his Thursday morning press conference of four more Covid cases overnight at Brentford – bringing the total involving players and staff at the club to 13.
“We fully respect that we want to play and it is important football keeps going, and this way we can make sure Boxing Day keeps going, I’m 100% sure of that,” he said. “This Omicron variant is running like wildfire around the world and I think we need to do all we can to protect and avoid it. I think we can do a lot by closing down training grounds for three, four or five days, and then we can go again.”