Boxing Day KO for both Bluebirds and County
CARDIFF City’s Boxing Day Championship clash with Coventry City has been postponed after the Bluebirds informed the EFL they would be unable to field a squad because of a Covid-19 outbreak in camp.
And Newport County’s big League Two home game against leaders Forest Green Rovers on the same day is also off with the visitors unable to raise a side.
It is the second Bluebirds game in succession which has had to be rearranged after last weekend’s fixture with Derby County was called off on Friday due to coronavirus cases in both camps.
That has continued into this week and, despite being six days out from the match, Cardiff told the league’s governing body yesterday lunchtime they would be unable to fulfil the fixture.
A new date for the match, which was due to be held at Cardiff City Stadium, will be rearranged in due course.
“Following consultation with the EFL, Cardiff City regret to announce that Boxing Day’s fixture with Coventry City has been postponed due to several cases of Covid-19 within the playing squad and staff,” Cardiff’s statement read.
“Details in respect of a re-arranged date will follow in due course.
“Season Tickets will remain valid for the re-arranged fixture. All match tickets purchased for this game
“will also remain valid for the rearranged date. We thank supporters for their continued understanding and support.”
Cardiff’s next scheduled fixture is away to Bournemouth on Thursday, December 30.
The news comes after Cardiff’s under-23s match against Charlton on Monday afternoon was also postponed.
Despite Covid causing huge disruption in both the Premier League and Football League, the EFL confirmed they will not halt the 2021/22 schedule.
A statement read: “The EFL can confirm that its programme of games in the League and Carabao Cup will continue with fixtures to be played where it is safe to do so, and the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs.
“While the League acknowledges there will likely be future postponements to navigate where Covid-19 cases are identified, there is optimism that disruption can be minimised following implementation of RED protocols, a daily testing regime and ongoing vaccination rollout.”
Former Swansea City chairman and current EFL chief executive officer Trevor Birch said: “Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so.
“We will continue to work with clubs, authorities and other agencies to monitor the Covid-19 case rate and be prepared to respond accordingly, yet for now the view remains that we can continue to deliver games safely where clubs have sufficient healthy personnel in place, on and off the pitch.
“With club mitigation measures, the mass adoption of booster jabs and Covid certification now required for larger crowds, we are sure many fans will continue to feel confident in attending matches over the Christmas period and we look forward to welcoming them.”
Birch’s comments, however, were made before last night’s Welsh Government announcement on new restrictions for sporting events in Wales, which will see a return to all matches being played behind closed doors from Boxing Day to help control the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.