La Liga suspended after Real Madrid players forced into quarantine
Spanish top flight La Liga has been suspended for the next two gameweeks after Real Madrid squad went into quarantine because of coronavirus. The decision came after a Real Madrid basketball player, who shares training facilities with La Liga club, tested positive for the virus. The club has also closed the facilities of its sports city. Here's more.
Here's the statement issued by Real Madrid
The Spanish club went on to issue a statement saying the quarantine measure has applied to both the basketball and football first teams. "The recommendation of remaining in quarantine has been followed with immediate effect, with this measure applied to both the basketball and football first teams, given that the two squads share the facilities at Real Madrid City.
La Liga releases statement, suspends matches
After Real's decision, La Liga released a statement to announce that it has suspended all top-flight and second-tier games. "Given the circumstances that have come to light this morning, such as the quarantine put in place at Real and possible positive cases at other clubs, La Liga has decided to continue with the next phase of the protocol of action against COVID-19."
How has the coronavirus impacted European football?
Elsewhere, according to a report in Reuters, the entire Juventus squad will spend two weeks in quarantine. This is after defender Daniele Rugani tested positive for the virus. Also, the coronavirus outbreak in Italy has seen all sport in the nation get suspended until at least April 3. Certain games in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League are being played behind closed doors.
Real Madrid had upcoming games against Eibar and Man City
Real, who are second in La Liga 2019-20 season, were due to host Eibar on Friday. The club had already cancelled all pre-match media duties. The side was also supposed to face Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
