Phil SumblerThe Swans were hit yesterday with a double postponement of games as the weekend fixtures for the first team (QPR away) and the Under-23s (Millwall) were both called off meaning no action this weekend.
As anticipated the clash with QPR fell victim to the fact that Rangers have a Covid-19 outbreak in their camp. Mark Warburton had said on Monday – following the fixture with Sheffield United – that the game was in serious doubt and it was confirmed yesterday evening that the match would be postponed and rearranged for a date in the future.
Earlier this week, in light of new restrictions being brought in to halt the rising spread of Omicron cases, the EFL issued guidance to clubs regarding the segregation of players whilst travelling on team coaches.
The 72 clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two are also being asked to consider increased mask-wearing whilst treatment times per player is to be reduced down to 15 minutes to prevent two individuals from spending an increased amount of time together in close proximity.
The postponement of the QPR fixture was another game to fall victim to increasing cases with Spurs and Manchester United both having seen games postponed for similar reasons. At the start of the week as well, West Brom boss Valerien Ismael revealed that he had asked the EFL for a postponement of their game against Reading but had been knocked back by the request.
He told the Mirror “We tried to postpone the game but the EFL forced us to play. It wasn’t only positive cases – some had symptoms as well. We explained to the EFL and the doctor from the EFL said it was an outbreak but they forced us to play.
“It was a very difficult week to manage and after the press conference on Friday, we had another two positive cases.
“We didn’t want to complain or look for excuses. We accepted the challenge and we got our reward.”
It was also confirmed earlier in the day that the Under-23s Professional Development League fixture against Millwall has been postponed.
Kris O’Leary’s Swans had been due to face the Lions at Landore on Monday, December 23, but the game will instead take place on Tuesday, February 1 at 1pm.
While these days are by no means typical, isn’t it a requirement of clubs to keep players fit and healthy?
Surrender the points, deduct points and fine the clubs.