Premier League insists season will continue despite Fulham virus



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Fulham announced on Saturday that their meeting with relegation rivals Burnley was called off after further positive testing among Scott Parker’s team.

Official ball of the English Premier League, the Nike Maxim. Image: SportsLocker.

LONDON – Premier League bosses insist the season will continue despite Fulham’s showdown with Burnley on Sunday becoming the latest coronavirus victim.

Fulham announced on Saturday that their meeting with relegation rivals Burnley was called off after further positive testing between Scott Parker’s team.

The Cottagers’ match against Tottenham was also canceled midweek due to Covid-19 issues at the West London club.

“Following further positive results from the most recent Covid-19 tests, the club can confirm that Sunday’s away game in Burnley has been postponed following discussions with the Premier League and advice from medical teams.” read a statement from Fulham.

“Those who tested positive self-isolate according to UK government and Premier League guidelines.

“The well-being of our players, staff and their families remains of the utmost importance and we wish those who have tested positive for a safe and speedy recovery.”

With Newcastle’s match against Aston Villa and Everton’s match with Manchester City also postponed due to recent virus outbreaks, a “circuit break” period has been called for, which would see all matches halted to allow containing the virus.

West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce was especially vocal in his demand for the break.

But the Premier League’s stance remains that continuing the season as planned is the right choice.

With the health of the players and staff as a priority, the League and Fulham will agree on an additional plan of action to control the outbreak and allow the club to safely resume its season. Players and staff will now be re-evaluated as part of a revised testing schedule, “said a Premier League statement.

“With a low number of positive tests in most clubs, the League continues to rely on its Covid-19 protocols, fully supported by the Government, to allow matches to be played as scheduled.

“The League wishes those with Covid-19 a speedy and safe recovery and will reorganize Fulham’s two postponed matches as soon as possible.”



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