WEST HAM have confirmed David Moyes has contracted coronavirus.
First-team players Issa Diop and Josh Cullen also returned positive tests ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Hull – but the game still went ahead despite the results coming back less than an hour before kick-off.
David Moyes was among three people at West Ham to test positive for coronavirusCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
None of the trio are showing symptoms but Moyes, 57, Diop, 23, and Cullen, 24, all immediately went home to self-isolate after their tests at the London Stadium.
Hull City’s squad were offered the chance to be tested – but the Tigers declined.
There was initially confusion ahead of kick-off when Diop and Cullen – due to start – were replaced in the starting line-up by Harrison Ashby and Jack Wilshere.
A West Ham statement read: “The Club’s medical team were informed of the test results as the team were at London Stadium preparing for this evening’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Hull City.
“The manager and both players immediately left the stadium and have returned home.
“All three, who are asymptomatic, will now follow Public Health England and Premier League guidelines and protocols.
“Everyone at West Ham United send their best wishes to David, Issa and Josh.
“Tuesday’s match will go ahead as planned, with Assistant Manager Alan Irvine taking charge of the team.
Defender Issa Diop also returned a positive test and therefore returned home to self-isolateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Like the other two, Josh Cullen showed no symptoms of Covid-19Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“The Club’s measures and protocols around COVID-19 remain stringent.
“This included offering to test the Hull City team ahead of tonight’s fixture – an offer which they opted not to accept.”
The EFL issued a statement of their own in relation to the positive tests.
It read: “The League was made aware of a number of positive test results at West Ham United shortly before tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Hull City.
“That guidance permitted the match to go ahead as planned but not before the two Clubs medical teams, in conjunction with the EFL’s medical advisors, agreed all relevant protocols had been followed and both teams were comfortable in continuing.”
Hull City said: “We are satisfied that West Ham followed all guidelines and protocols upon receiving the positive results and, after consulting with the EFL, were comfortable with the game going ahead.
“The Club will continue to stringently monitor the wellbeing of our players and staff as per Public Health England and EFL guidelines – as we have done since they were put in place – and we wish the West Ham manager and players the very best.”
HAMMER BLOW
Moyes was among the first in the Premier League to fear he caught the virus during the March outbreak.
He shook hands with Mikel Arteta, just a few days before the Arsenal boss tested positive.
It was the Spaniard’s result which sparked the Premier League to suspend the season.
The Carabao Cup was earlier rocked by Leyton Orient’s game against Tottenham being postponed.
That was due to the O’s squad being decimated by positive tests – with a resolution to determine how the tie will be decided yet to be confirmed.
West Ham postpone Sunday’s pre-season friendly vs Ipswich after positive coronavirus test among backroom staff
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
