Allardyce calls for ‘circuit break’ due to Covid spike
LONDON: West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce has called for a ‘‘circuit break’’ after the English Premier League returned its highest number of positive Covid129 tests this season.
Responding to reports representatives of some topflight clubs had proposed a twoweek cooling off period, the Baggies boss insisted it was the ‘‘right thing’’ to cope with the outbreak.
‘‘Everyone’s safety is more important than anything else,’’ the former England boss said after his side’s 50 home defeat
BY Leeds.
‘‘When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break.
‘‘I am 66yearsold and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid. I’m very concerned for myself and football in general. If that’s what needs to be done we need to do it.’’
The Premier League is reportedly unaware of any such talks taking place.
However, pressure is likely to grow after both Sheffield United and Fulham were affected by new outbreaks.
Blades boss Chris Wilder revealed before its 10 loss to Burnley that the club had ‘‘a couple’’ of players and ‘‘four or five backroom staff’’ test positive. Wilder’s starting 11 was unaffected but he was only able to name seven of a possible nine substitutes.
‘‘It’s not an ideal situation . . . but I want to play football,’’ he told SUTV.
Fulham has also reportedly recorded positive tests.
‘‘The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday 21 December and Sunday 27 December, 1479 players and club staff were tested for Covid19. Of these, there were 18 new positive tests,’’ a Premier League statement read.
‘‘Players or club staff who have tested positive will selfisolate for a period of 10 days.’’ — BPA