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Everton’s Premier League match with Manchester City on Monday night was canceled after several City players tested positive for Covid-19.
A City statement issued just four hours before kick-off at 8 p.m. confirmed that the decision had been made after they submitted a request to postpone the match on Monday morning, and the confirmation came after a meeting of the Premier League board of directors in the afternoon. .
“Manchester City FC can confirm that tonight’s Premier League match at Everton has been postponed,” it read.
“After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned several 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 among equipment, personnel, and potentially beyond. Based on firm 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 quarantine protocol of the Premier League and the UK government. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will be closed for an indeterminate period, and the team and associated bubble will undergo testing before a decision is made to resume training.
“Everyone at the club wishes all our colleagues a speedy recovery before they return to work, training and competition.”
A statement from Everton added: “Following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon, Everton Football Club has been informed that tonight’s game against Manchester City has been postponed for medical reasons due to an increase. of Covid-19 cases in the Manchester City team. “the statement said.
“Fans who got tickets to the game through the Club’s ticket for the game are advised not to travel to the stadium. An alternative date and start time has not been decided yet, but will be confirmed on evertonfc.com as soon as possible. Everton’s next game will now be West Ham United’s New Year’s Day visit (5.30 pm GMT) ”.
Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were among the City players who tested positive for coronavirus before City’s last game against Newcastle.
A statement from the Premier League said the decision was made on medical advice. “The board agreed to reorganize the game as a precautionary measure, and more tests will be conducted tomorrow,” the statement said. “The decision was made with the health of the players and staff as a priority.”
