THE PREMIER LEAGUE is on red alert as the spread of coronavirus continues to plague the UK.
And even football has been affected, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta testing positive for the infection.
⚠️ Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations
Arsenal players have self-isolated over fears they may have contracted coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Other European leagues including Serie A and LaLiga have already suspended in a bid to prevent further cases, with Juventus defender Daniele Rugani among those to have contracted the killer bug.
Is Brighton vs Arsenal postponed?
Yes. Arsenal’s game against Brighton has been postponed after Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus.
A Brighton and Hove Albion club statement read: “In light of the news that broke earlier on Thursday evening concerning Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and his first-team squad, we can confirm that Saturday’s match against Arsenal has now been postponed.
“Arsenal confirmed on Thursday night that their head coach has tested positive for the coronavirus, and that their entire first-team squad are now self-isolating.
Chief executive Paul Barber commented: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Mikel Arteta and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“It’s absolutely essential the health and wellbeing of individuals takes priority and with that in mind Saturday’s match has been postponed.
“We apologise to all fans for any inconvenience but trust everyone will understand that we are all facing an unprecedented situation.
“The Premier League has announced this evening that they will convene an emergency meeting of all clubs tomorrow morning, and we will update supporters on future fixtures as and when we are in a position to do so.”
From that meeting, the Premier League suspended the season until at least April to avoid further spread of the killer bug.
Will the Premier League be suspended?
Despite top leagues in Italy and Spain already suspended for at least two weeks, Premier League chiefs released a statement on Thursday saying they were still adamant that matches will go ahead as planned.
But, in an emergency meeting on Friday, the season to called to a halt after Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was also testing positive, while Leicester City and Manchester City players have showed symptoms.
Meanwhile, Wolves are on their way back from Greece, after playing Olympiacos behind closed doors, despite the Greek side’s owner having the killer bug.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
