The corona virus is causing more and more confusion in English football. The Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC, which was planned for the evening, was also canceled on Wednesday, after several players and coaches had previously tested positive at Fulham. “We wish all those affected a speedy and good recovery,” said the Spurs to coach José Mourinho. A new date is still to be found.
In the course of the month two games could not be played previously. On Monday, the meeting of ex-champions Manchester City at Everton FC was canceled. The duel between Newcastle United and Aston Villa in early December did not take place either.
In view of the 18 new corona cases never before reached within a week, the calls after an interruption in gaming operations are getting louder. “I’m very worried about myself and about football in general. If that has to be done, we have to do it, “said West Bromwich Albion team manager Sam Allardyce after the 5-0 home defeat by Leeds United, adding:” Everyone’s safety is more important than anything else. “
The coronavirus mutation discovered in Great Britain is of particular concern. The numbers are increasing across the country. “When I listen to the news, the mutated virus spreads faster than the original virus. So we can only do the right thing, which is to break the circuit, ”Allardyce said.
Numbers rise despite “very strict protocols”
A forced break would, however, plunge those responsible into a chaos of appointments. The overcrowded calendar hardly offers any alternatives. Many clubs are also active internationally in the Champions and Europa League. “When should we play the games?” Asked team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær of record champions Manchester United: “We all know this year is so difficult, but I don’t think stopping the games will make a big difference.”
In total, however, the Premier League reported 45 corona cases in December. Team manager Ralph Hasenhüttl from Southampton FC is also in isolation after a positive test in his household. The ex-coach of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig therefore missed the game against West Ham United (0-0) on Tuesday evening.
The numbers are increasing despite “very strict protocols,” as Burnley team manager Sean Dyche noted. The problem: »The players have their lives. They have families, and we are told that the virus is everywhere, so we can only stay within the guidelines. “Like Allardyce, he can also imagine an interruption in gaming:” If the numbers keep rising, we’ll have to deal with it To take care of.”
