SUNDERLAND have announced their training ground has shut for ten days with the next THREE games postponed after being hit by a coronavirus outbreak.
The Black Cats were without EIGHT first-team stars for last night’s 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.
Sunderland’s next three games have been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Academy of Light has been closed for ten days after a total of five positive casesCredit: Getty – Contributor
And the Academy of Light training ground has now been closed with immediate effect to prevent the virus from spreading further.
It means games against Shrewsbury, Blackpool and Hull City will not be going ahead this month.
But Sunderland are aiming to face Accrington Stanley on December 29 after returning to training two days before.
An official statement read: “Sunderland AFC has today informed the EFL that it will not be able to play its next three Sky Bet League One fixtures following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Academy of Light.
“After one senior player tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, selected players and staff undertook additional testing and a further four cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed.
“The individuals that have tested positive – and those that have come into close contact with them – are now observing a period of self-isolation at home.
“Following extensive dialogue and clear guidance from Public Health England, SAFC has taken the decision to close the Academy of Light with immediate effect for a 10-day period in order to protect its players and staff and to prevent the further spread of the virus.”
Chief Executive Officer James Rodwell added: “It is with a heavy heart that I have informed the EFL that we are unable to play our next three league fixtures.
“The welfare of our players, staff and opponents remains the number one priority and following detailed conversations with the relevant authorities, we have also taken the responsible decision to close the Academy of Light for a 10-day period.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish all of those affected a swift and complete recovery.”
Sunderland’s decision came after Black Cats boss Lee Johnson blasted the EFL for ‘dangerously’ forcing his Covid-hit side to play against Wimbledon on Tuesday.
He was forced to make five changes to his side and name four youngsters on the bench who had played 24 hours earlier for the U23s.
Johnson, who only took charge of Sunderland ten days ago, said: “That game should have been called off, no doubt in my mind. That was dangerous for those two sets of players.
“I can’t help but feel angry, frustrated, at the moment I am not sure who I am angry at. I had to control the controllables. We didn’t get any help with clarity.
“We asked the EFL for permission to postpone the game, and were told ‘If you postpone the game you will be up for sanction and you will be investigated’.
“There was then a lack of clarity on exactly what that investigation entails, and the threat of having to potentially forsake the game and give the three points up to Wimbledon, we weren’t willing to take.
“Don’t forget, it was all very quick and rushed. We’ve got our players’ safety to think of, and the safety of the players from Wimbledon as well as the staff. There should be much better protocols in place.
Boss Lee Johnson was furious the EFL didn’t postpone last night’s game with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Johnson had to call up a number of kids who had played for the U23s just a day earlierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“If the Bristol Rovers one is the same circumstance, then if they get off scot free, somehow we’ve been tucked up.
“If they get deducted the points, then this becomes a good point because we’ve played the game and hustled with players who aren’t fit.
“The EFL won’t give you the funding to do the testing, but then at the same time, they won’t help you out when there’s a circumstance that happens. It’s almost like we’ve been punished for doing the right protocols.”
But the EFL fired back, saying: “The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.
“All EFL Clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads.
“Throughout our extensive discussions on Tuesday it was made clear to the management of Sunderland that the option existed for them to inform the League they were unable to fulfil the fixture, but this would result in the circumstances being investigated as a result of the Club being required to fulfil their fixture obligations in accordance with the regulations.
“This is consistent with the approach taken with other Clubs who have been faced with similar situation and the requirement to self-isolate players and staff in line with EFL and Government guidance.
“As Sunderland has confirmed they opted not to do this for the reasons they have identified and to play in the fixture.
“That decision rested with the Club as only they can make the determination on whether they had sufficient players available from their squad to fulfil the fixture.”
Sunderland boss Johnson furious at EFL after being forced into dangerous Wimbledon game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
