No plans to suspend L1 season, says Pompey CEO
The chief executive of one of Sunderland’s promotion rivals has warned the ‘landscape can change drastically’ as the virus grips the country – but says there are no plans to suspend the season.
Sunderland suffered a Covid-19 outbreak last week with cases now in double figures, the Academy of Light training ground closed for 10 days and the next three games postponed.
Elsewhere, Ipswich Town have become the fifth League One team in a week to confirm an outbreak.
Manager Paul Lambert is one of a group of six players and staff at Portman Road to have tested positive for the virus.
Portsmouthhadconfirmed on Saturday morning that defender Jack Whatmough had been withdrawn from their 2-0 win over Hull City on Friday night due to illness, and subsequently returned a positive test.
Bristol Rovers and Peterborough United both suffered outbreaks last week.
Pompey CEO Mark Catlin warned: “I speak to a lot of people in football and once it starts to get a grip within a squad it just seems to spiral out of control.
“I’m sure that’s replicated through businesses and schools currently throughout the world.
“There’s no plans that I’m aware in terms of meetings to discuss a possible suspension (of league fixtures).
“But I have to caveat that, that football, society and the world view on this terrible disease changes daily.
“Just because last night that wasn’t the case doesn’t mean that won’t be today.
“I can’t say it won’t loom its head but at this current time I’ve not spoken to anyone else who’s voicing that opinion.”