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After Monday’s game was canceled on short notice, the Toffees seek further explanation from the Premier League.
Everton have requested full disclosure of all information sent by Manchester City to the Premier League following the postponement of Monday’s match.
The Premier League confirmed four hours before the scheduled start at Goodison Park that the game would not go ahead due to a coronavirus outbreak at City camp.
Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and two other staff members had previously tested positive for Covid-19, but City’s Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United continued.
However, City submitted a request to reorganize the match with Everton 48 hours later, following an increase in positive Covid-19 test results received on Monday.
The Premier League Board agreed to reschedule the game as a precautionary measure, saying that the health of players and staff takes priority.
But the Premier League told clubs before the start of the season that requests to postpone matches would be rejected unless at least 14 players were ruled out.
Everton, one of only two clubs alongside Merseyside rivals Liverpool, who can host fans on their field, are seeking further explanations as to why the game was suspended.
🔵 | Club statement: postponement of Manchester City game. #EVEMCI https://t.co/Q5ddxKYpyy
– Everton (@Everton) December 28, 2020
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.”
Monday’s game is the second in the Premier League to be postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak, and Newcastle United’s game against Aston Villa this month was also delayed.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is three points behind leaders Liverpool after 15 games, while City are adrift three more after having played one game less.
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