Manchester City Vs Arsenal Postponed Over Coronavirus Fears


Manchester City's game against Arsenal on Wednesday night at the Etihad has been postponed after members of their squad had to be self-isolated because of Coronavirus fears.
On Tuesday Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis revealed he had been tested positive for Covid-19. The Greek side played Arsenal in the Europa League two weeks ago and met members of their squad afterwards.

In a statement the club revealed that due to the meeting members of the squad have had to be self-isolated. "Following yesterday's news that Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis has recently contracted Covid-19, we have been taking medical advice and tracing any individuals who had what the guidelines define as close contact with him at the game 13 days ago.

"As a result of this exercise we identified that a number of players met the Olympiacos owner immediately following the game.
"The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing Covid-19 at extremely low. However, 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.
"As a result, the players are unavailable for tonight's match against Manchester City and the Premier League has decided the game should be postponed.
"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."

The 14 day period since the meeting with Marinakis ends on Friday which means the north London sides game against Brighton at the weekend can still go ahead.
At the moment there is no plans to postpone any other fixtures in England with the Premier League saying, "We understand this will cause inconvenience and cost to fans planning to attend the game but Arsenal, Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed that the short notice of Mr Marinakis' infection means there is no alternative but to take the time to complete a proper assessment of risk."

The outbreak of Coronavirus has led to games in Italy, France and Spain to be played behind closed doors whilst Italy has now suspended matches until April.

Other sports have also been affected with Formula One delaying the Chinese Grand Prix, tennis having Indian Wells cancelled and rugby union having Six Nations games delayed until October.

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