English football taking caution over Coronavirus

A Liverpool fan wearing a protective mask in the stands to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match at Anfield, Liverpool (PIcture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Matches continue to be postponed on the continent in response to Covid-19, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation yesterday, but as yet, Manchester City’s Premier League home game against Arsenal is the only senior game in England called off.

Arsenal hosted Olympiacos, whose owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, in the Europa League on February 27. Marinakis also owns Forest but, at the time of going to press, the Owls game against Forest at Hillsborough was still scheduled to be played in front of spectators.

Marinakis reportedly shook hands with Forest players before Friday’s 3-0 defeat against Millwall, but all Forest and Olympiacos players and staff – including Adama Diakhaby, on loan at the City Ground from Huddersfield Town – have tested negative for the virus.

PSG and Borussia Dortmund players line up prior to their Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match, Wednesday March 11, 2020 in Paris. The match is being played in an empty stadium because of the coronavirus outbreak. (UEFA via AP)

Arsenal have followed Government guidelines that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate until 14 days after the event. “Fewer than five” players are understood to have been in contact with Marinakis in the tunnel after the match. Staff who sat close to him for a prolonged period have also self-isolated.

The Gunners are following Government advice to only test those who have had contact with somebody who might be infected if they also become unwell. With the isolation due to end today, they are “looking forward” to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Olympiacos’s Europa League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight will be played behind closed doors after UEFA refused the visitors’ request for a postponement.

Forest host Huddersfield on Wednesday, while Arsenal are due at Sheffield United for a March 22 FA Cup quarter-final, which is an expected sell-out.

Tonight’s Sevilla v Roma Europa League tie and Getafe’s trip to Inter Milan have been postponed after the Spanish government denied entry to planes from Italy. Manchester United will play Austrian side LASK behind closed doors.

Playing behind closed doors or postponing games threatens the integrity of the English leagues and would deprive clubs lower down the pyramid of vital revenue, so there will be a reluctance to do either without firm medical advice. So late in the season and with a European Championships due in June and July, there is limited scope to rearrange matches whilst allowing players the recommended recovery time.

The Football Association has reiterated at present it has no plans to cancel England’s Wembley March friendlies against Italy and Denmark. They are due to be their last before Gareth Southgate names his Euro 2020 squad and an important opportunity for the likes of uncapped Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to stake claims. Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been tipped for a call-up.

Leeds are one of a number of clubs to ban players from “selfies” and signing autographs, and have moved academy and women’s players from their training ground. Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s Friday press conference will be at Elland Road.

Rotherham United have suspended player visits to schools, hospitals, hospices and care homes. Like Huddersfield, they have closed their training ground to non-essential visitors. There will be no mascots at Terriers home games until further notice.

Sheffield United have suspended tours of Bramall Lane, and cancelled next week’s exhibition match between a Blades XI and the Saudi Future Falcons.

A club statement from the county’s sole top-flight representatives read: “Sheffield United Football Club has put in place proportionate measures to reduce the impact of Coronavirus, based on the most up-to-date evidence and specialist advice.

“This includes internal club policies regarding the management of suspected/confirmed cases amongst staff, players, supporters and third parties, as well as wider measures within club premises. We have produced tailored guidance regarding infection control and prevention for these groups. These measures are under continual review in the light of new evidence and ever-changing circumstances.”

Players union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, has issued advice to its members.

Yesterday saw the biggest rise in UK cases in a day. The number of confirmed cases passed 460, with eight hospital deaths.