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The Newcastle United team have been told to stay away from their training ground following a coronavirus outbreak.
Following last Friday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Selhurst Park, manager Steve Bruce revealed that three individuals had tested positive for the virus and were in isolation at home.
Two other people tested positive before Sunday, leading to another round of testing on Sunday.
The club is still waiting for the results of that round of testing.
The Newcastle team had the weekend off and there was no training on Monday or Tuesday, and the club assessed the situation on a day-to-day basis.
Another round of testing will take place on Wednesday.
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Highlights from Newcastle’s victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Newcastle will face Aston Villa at Villa Park live in the Sky Sports Premier League on Friday night as they look to continue their impressive away form in the Premier League, having lost only once on their travels this season.
Speaking after Friday’s game against Palace Newcastle coach Steve Bruce, he said: “It is a concern and difficult to handle. We are doing everything we can to make sure we stay as safe as possible.”
“Of course my concern is not only the well-being of the players, which is of vital importance, but also that of my staff. We will do our best, but it is difficult at the moment.”
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Steve Bruce says allowing some fans to return is a ‘small gesture’, but he’s not sure why bigger stadiums can’t host more socially distanced fans.
Coronavirus levels: Newcastle cannot welcome fans
Newcastle is one of 10 clubs that are at level 3 of the government’s new coronavirus restrictions, which will go into effect on December 2 and deny fans the opportunity to attend matches at St James’ Park.
Bruce says the return of the fans is a “step in the right direction,” but questioned why larger stadiums cannot host a greater number of socially estranged fans.
“I can understand 4,000 fans [returning] if there is an 8,000 seat stadium, but what I can’t digest at the moment is why is it only 4,000 or 2,000 when we have the capacity to comfortably seat somewhere in the region of 15,000 to 20,000 people, “he said.
“It is a step in the right direction and a small gesture. For the smaller clubs, 4,000 or 2,000 is a welcome relief because they live on it.”
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