'Heading for shutdown': Fears for Premier League after Covid chaos
There are fears the Premier League is under threat of being put on hold after a number of clubs are dealing with a growing number of Covid-19 cases.
On Tuesday, Manchester United's Premier League match at Brentford was postponed due to a number of cases at the Old Trafford club, the league announced on Monday.
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United had reported a "small number" of cases discovered among first-team staff and players on Sunday, with the squad who travelled to Norwich City for their Premier League clash on Saturday kept apart from those who had the virus.
"The decision (to postpone the Brentford-United game) was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to the exceptional circumstances of an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak within Manchester United's squad," the league said in a statement.
"First team operations at the club’s Carrington Training Complex were closed down today to help control the outbreak and minimise risk of further infection among players and staff."
The number of Covid-19 cases in the Premier League reached 42, which is the highest number since January.
Fans concerned over Premier League future
The 42 positive tests from over 3,800 individuals is more than the tally from the previous seven weeks combined and a record in the English top flight in a single week.
Brighton, Tottenham, Leicester, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Norwich have also all confirmed cases.
Brighton and Tottenham was also postponed on the weekend following Covid-19 cases within the Spurs camp.
This prompted fans to speculate an impending halt to fixtures will be implemented.
Trouble with COVID now is, if you have a positive test it's automatic isolate for 10 days. Premier League is heading for shutdown
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) December 13, 2021
The primary reason why Premier League clubs has a big problem looming with Covid is the number of unvaccinated players…
They have to follow different isolation rules to those vaccinated and this could now result in a major shutdown in the near future 😳— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) December 13, 2021
Highest covid figures in Premier League, but nobody calling for season to be voided. Can’t think why that is 🙄 https://t.co/BIgE488f7P
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) December 13, 2021
COVID has taken over the Premier League. I can’t see this gameweek going ahead without at least one fixture rescheduling.
I’m clueless what to do regarding transfers until we get more info. And that’s assuming we get more info pre deadline!— FPL Mate (Dan) (@FPLMate) December 13, 2021
with Reuters
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