ARSENAL stars are in coronavirus quarantine and the club’s Premier League game at Manchester City is off tonight after they met a virus victim.
It comes after Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for the virus after visiting the Emirates.
Man City vs Arsenal has been postponed over coronavirus fears after Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis (pictured at the Emirates) tested positiveCredit: Getty – Contributor
Several of Mikel Arteta’s players met the Greek owner after the game, which saw Olympiacos knock out the GunnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The match is the first Premier League clash to be called off over the virusCredit: EPA
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He was at the stadium when the Greek side knocked the Gunners out of the Europa League on February 27 and the club revealed a number of players met him after the game.
The game is the first Premier League match to be called off over the deadly virus, which has so far killed six in the UK.
A Premier League statement said: “Following medical advice, Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC consider it is necessary to postpone their fixture due to be played this evening to give time to fully assess the situation.
“The Premier League has therefore agreed that tonight’s game will be rearranged.”
Arsenal revealed in a statement that players were following Government guidelines and those who were in close contact with Marinakis would return to training on Friday.
The club added: “The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires. Four Arsenal staff, who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete.
“We fully understand how disappointing this is for our supporters, in particular those who were travelling to Manchester for tonight’s match. Tickets will be valid for the match when it’s rearranged.”
Arsenal posted a statement on InstagramCredit: Instagram
Matteo Guendouzi trains with his face covered ahead of the clash, which will now be rearrangedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Gunners players who did not come into close contact with Marinakis are expected to train tomorrow, while those in isolation will join in on Friday if clear.
Greek shipping magnate Marinakis, 52, sparked panic across English football yesterday when he revealed he had contracted the Covid-19 virus.
He wrote on Instagram: “The recent virus has ‘visited’ me and I felt obliged to let the public know.
“I feel good as I take all the necessary measures and disclipline to the doctors’ instructions.
“I wish all a quick recovery.”
Forest’s squad were ordered to undergo coronavirus tests as Marinakis met them after Friday’s home defeat to Millwall.
Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday, with the Seagulls confirming this morning that the game will go ahead.
Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher joked on Twitter that Arsenal were lucky that the game was cancelled as they were going to get “bust-up”.
Meanwhile Wolves are incensed that their Europa League clash with Olympiacos tomorrow will go ahead.
The match in Athens had already been ordered to be played behind closed doors. Olympiacos followed Forest’s lead by sending their entire playing squad for tests.
Nuno Espirito Santo had earlier said: “If we have to go we will. But we don’t agree — we’re not happy to go.”
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confirms he has coronavirus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
