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Everton say they are seeking a “full disclosure” on the COVID-19 outbreak at Manchester City, which led to their Premier League match being postponed on Monday.
The game, which was to be played in front of 2,000 fans at the Merseyside team’s Goodison Park, it was cancelled just four hours before the start.
The Premier League made the decision after Man City said there had been more positives coronavirus cases at his camp in addition to the four announced on Christmas Day.
The top four included forward Gabriel Jesus, defender Kyle Walker and two members of the club’s staff.
Kyle Walker (left) and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus tested positive for coronavirus
Everton will seek clarification from the league on how the decision to postpone the game was made given the time and that they were told it was canceled rather than consulting them as part of the process.
The team would have joined Liverpool at the top of the table in points had they won the match.
A club statement said: “Everton Football Club regrets the postponement of tonight’s match against Manchester City, not only for the 2,000 fans who would have attended, but also for fans in Merseyside and around the world.
“Our players were prepared for the game, as were the team staff and everyone at Goodison. The matchday is the most important date on our calendar. And this was a great date.
“While Everton will always put public safety first, we will request full disclosure of all information that Manchester City provided to the Premier League so that the club can be clear about why this decision was made.”
Manchester City are scheduled to visit Chelsea on January 3 and face their local rivals Manchester United in the semi-final of the League Cup on January 6.
Players from the city will be evaluated COVID-19 again on Tuesday, and the test results will determine whether Chelsea’s game can go ahead.
Goodison Park is the home of Everton FC
A Manchester City statement read: “After the latest round of COVID-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
“With the security of the bubble compromised, there was a risk that the virus would spread further between equipment, personnel, and potentially beyond.
Based on strong medical advice, the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the match.
“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with the Premier League and UK government protocol on quarantine.
“The first team training ground at City Football Academy will be closed for an indeterminate period, and the team and associated bubble will be tested before a decision is made to resume training.”
A Premier League statement on Monday afternoon read: “Manchester City submitted a request to the Premier League today to reorganize the game following an increase in positive COVID-19 test results received by the club this morning, in addition to the cases reported on Christmas Day.
“This increase has created uncertainty and the Premier League Board received medical advice that the match should be postponed. The Board agreed to reorganize the game as a precaution, and further testing will now take place on Tuesday.
“The decision has been made with the health of the players and staff as a priority. The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and in the way that all clubs are implementing them.
“The league wishes those with COVID-19 a quick and safe recovery and will reorganize the postponed match against Everton in due course.”
Monday’s game was the second to move this season after an outbreak at Newcastle United led the league to cancel its match at Aston Villa earlier this month.
