DESPERATE Newcastle look set to beg the Premier League to postpone Friday’s clash at Aston Villa.
But Premier League rules state that if their appeal is turned down they will be forced to play.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is facing a Covid crisis
A mass coronavirus outbreak has hit the Magpies squadCredit: EPA
A mass Covid outbreak has hit the Magpies squad, with up to 10 players believed to have tested positive.
And there are fears that number could grow further, leaving Toon boss Steve Bruce with a severely depleted squad.
Any request for a postponement will be heard by the Premier League board.
Prem rules state that ‘PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED’ if a club has 14 or more players listed on its squad list available.
If there are fewer, ‘clubs will be expected to utilise appropriately experienced U21 players. This will include any Under 21 player who has made a first team appearance’ for the club, another Prem or EFL club, or an overseas side.
Newcastle need to prove that they have fewer than 14 players.
But they will also need to show that those unavailable are not out because of a ‘failure by the club or player to comply with any medical protocol’.
The Toon’s Benton training ground has been closed down since the weekend.
Bruce revealed three cases last Thursday – two players and one staff member – ahead of their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.
But they received two more positive tests over the weekend before a further unspecified number in the last 24 hours.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
