The Arsenal club members and coaching staff have got themselves into the self-isolation mode as a precautionary measure to avoid the COVID -19 infection. This move has come after their game against the second-placed Manchester City got postponed which was to be held on Wednesday.
In the English Premier League, this is the first game to be called off as a precautionary move. There was news of the league getting postponed or suspended but this move came into an effect after the other leagues in Europe like Serie A, Champions League has either postponed or suspended the fixtures.
The club statement read as follows:
“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.
The club statement also read that the players are unavailable for the fixture against Manchester City in Premier League and hence the game is postponed. Also, it said that the players will remain at their home during these 14 days.
“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.”
However, the club statement did not tell about the number of players who are infected due to their meet with Marinakis. Also, they mentioned that the club will be all set to make a strong comeback on Saturday and will be returning to training on Friday for the crucial fixture. The club said:
“We look forward to the players and staff returning to work on Friday in preparation for our match at Brighton,”
However, more threat is looming large as the Nottingham Forest owner went on to watch the English second-tier club’s game in London over the weekend when they faced Millwall. The club statement read tat the owner was diagnosed for the first time since his return from Greece.
On the other hand, Arsenal club has put the people unknowingly into the dangerous situation as they have found that after they contacted the owner, Arsenal have played Portsmouth and West-Ham in the FA Cup competition and Premier League.
Though the steps are being taken, should the Premier League postpone or suspend the fixtures? or should they play behind the closed doors?
