For the second time this week, a Premier League match has been postponed just hours before kickoff due to a surge in positive coronavirus cases.
On Monday, Manchester City’s game against Everton was pushed back after the Premier League announced “an increase in positive COVID-19 test results.” Wednesday’s fixture between Tottenham and Fulham has since also been postponed.
“Fulham lodged a request with the Premier League Board to rearrange the fixture following a significant rise in positive Covid-19 cases, as well as a number of players showing symptoms today,” the Premier League’s statement read. “The Premier League Board has consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority.”
Since restarting the season last summer, the Premier League has minimized schedule interruptions and positive cases. But as cases rise in England — with much of the country placed under more stringent coronavirus restrictions beginning Thursday — the soccer league is seeing more disruptions.
Earlier this month, Newcastle United’s training ground was closed due to players and staff members testing positive. The club’s match against Aston Villa was postponed amid the outbreak.
Now, the Premier League announced 18 confirmed cases Tuesday — the highest number of positive cases since the league began testing. And the increase has postponed an additional two matches.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.