PREMIER LEAGUE games this weekend could be cancelled after an emergency meeting was called for Friday after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus.
Just an hour after the Premier League declared it was business as usual for matches in England this weekend, Arsenal released a statement detailing the devastating news.
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The Premier League has convened an emergency meeting on Friday to decide on the future of the weekend’s matchesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Premier League responded with the following statement:
“In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures.”
They had earlier followed in the footsteps of EFL bosses by issuing a statement that confimed games would take place as scheduled despite widespread chaos caused by the pandemic Covid-19.
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Japan, the Netherlands and the USA are just a few of the nations who have stepped in to cancel all their football matches for the foreseeable future as attempts are made to contain the spread of the deadly bug.
In a message posted to their official Twitter account at 9.30pm, the Premier League said: “Following the latest update from Government issued this afternoon, all Premier League matches will go ahead as scheduled this weekend.
“While the Prime Minister advised that all sporting events should take place as normal for now, he also indicated that Government is considering banning major public events, like sporting fixtures.
“We are therefore continuing to work closely with our clubs, Government, The FA, EFL and other relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate contingency plans are in place as and when circumstances change.
“The welfare of players, staff and supporters is of paramount importance and we will continue to follow Public Health England guidelines thoroughly.
“We will keep everyone updated as appropriate.”
Many leagues have scrapped games altogether but others are choosing to play matches behind doors.
Both Manchester United and Wolves played the first legs of their Europa League ties in empty stadiums tonight.
Earlier Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was forced into self-isolation after a family member tested positive for the contagious virus.
Chelsea were forced into cancelling training after reports someone close to the squad had two of the main symptoms – a dry cough and fever.
This comes after Juventus defender Daniele Rugani tested positive on Wednesday forcing team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to self-isolate on his home island of Madeira.
Ronaldo has reportedly told Juventus officials he will not be returning to Italy at present.
Uefa will have a crisis meeting on Tuesday and could choose to suspend all club European games they all will have to determine whether Euro 2020 has to be scrapped, with talk it could be delayed by a year.
La Liga have suspended all games for two weeks after Real Madrid players were put on lockdown as a player from their affiliate basketball team displayed signs of the deadly virus.
In a blow to Inter Miami owner David Beckham, the MLS revealed all football would be suspended – just days before Beckham’s side were due to make their home debut in America’s premier competition.
Man City star Benjamin Mendy checked by coronavirus medics in hazmat suits after family member falls ill
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
