The tie between Manchester City and Arsenal abandoned- Here's why
The upcoming Premier League fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal which was scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to coronavirus outbreak. Reportedly, the Arsenal squad members have been put into quarantine. It is being reported that the players will be isolated for 14 days after coming into contact with the owner of the Greek club Olympiakos, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Anyone with virus should self-isolate for 14 days
"We are strictly following the government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact," an official statement from Arsenal read.
No plans to postpone other matches
This is the first such postponement of a Premier League fixture after UEFA Champions League and Europa League faced the suspension scare. Although the Premier League might stage the matches behind closed doors, no plans have been announced yet. "All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches," the league said in a statement.
A number of other leagues have also faced the wrath
This postponement comes after UEFA Champions League and Europa League have been forced to schedule the matches behind close doors. The matches may be suspended following the round-of-16 fixtures. Top-flight Serie A fixtures have also been stalled in Italy, owing to the crisis. Spain and France will also host the top two division matches behind closed doors for two weeks.
Wolves urged UEFA to call off the game against Olympiakos
Another Premier League club, Wolverhampton, is yet to face Olympiakos in the Europa League in an empty Athens stadium on Thursday night. However, UEFA rejected the request for the final-16 game to be abandoned completely. "Our position is that the trip poses unnecessary risks to our players, staff, supporters and the families who travel, at such critical times," Wolves said.
