LEEDS UNITED have moved their academy teams and women’s side from the training ground with immediate effect due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus.
The Whites revealed the drastic new measures at Thorp Arch to protect Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad from coming into contact with anyone who has contracted the deadly bug.
Leeds United have put in further preventative measures to protect their first-team from coronavirusCredit: Leeds United
The Elland Road outfit returned to the top of the Championship table following a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town.
The West Yorkshire side are now a point clear of second-placed West Bromwich Albion and seven ahead of third-placed Fulham with nine matches remaining.
Ahead of their win over the Terriers, the club issued advice to fans to avoid celebrating goals with any physical contact and limited supporters access to the players before and after the game.
Further preventative measures have now been put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, with the women’s and academy teams to start training at a new facility.
A statement read: “Following the increased threat posed by COVID-19, we have taken the decision to temporarily move our Women’s side, as well as our Academy teams, to new facilities to train at with immediate effect.
“We believe the fact that the facility is shared with our first team leaves us with little choice but to take this action, to protect Marcelo Bielsa’s squad from any risk of coming into contact with anyone who has contracted the virus.
We believe the fact that the facility is shared with our first team leaves us with little choice but to take this action, to protect Marcelo Bielsa’s squad
“The Under-23s and Under-18s sides will continue to use Thorp Arch for the time being, but any further risk may result in those teams also staying away. All non-essential visitors will be prohibited.
“We currently do not have a date for normal service to resume, although rest assured that we will be working with the authorities to speed the process up whilst maintaining everyone’s safety.”
The Premier League have also drawn up contingency plans if the coronavirus continues to spread.
There have been 211 cases of the deadly bug in the UK and over 100,000 around the world.
Coronavirus has continued to have a huge impact on sporting events across Europe with matches in Serie A postponed or being played behind closed doors.
Italy’s Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and England will be played later in the year while the Chinese Grand Prix and the UAE cycling tour have also been suspended.
The Premier League have already announced that players will not be allowed to shake hands before kick-off as is tradition.
And SunSport revealed on Tuesday how Prem chiefs have sent letters to all 20 sides warning of the possibility of no fans in grounds to ensure the season is completed, with Newcastle manager Steve Bruce admitting such a situation is “inevitable.”
Should England follow Italy by playing four rounds of games without fans, ticket refunds and loss of matchday revenue will see clubs lose a combined £25m every weekend wiped out.
Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal rake in more than £4m from home games — while even the smaller top-flight sides collect a million.
Cancelling matches in Europe and the FA Cup over the coming weeks would add further losses, reaching a potential £100m deficit a month.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
Concerts featuring DJ’s Afrojack and Don Diablo over the race weekend on March 22 have also been scrapped.
Premier League BAN players from shaking hands before games amid coronavirus fears
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
