Sunderland Head Coach Lee Johnson was furious with the EFL following their decision not to cancel yesterday’s game against AFC Wimbledon despite a COVID-19 outbreak at the club. The Black Cats were without eight first-team players after one player returned a positive test. Seven other players who had been in close proximity to the player are also self-isolating with two displaying symptoms.
Sunderland appealed to the EFL to call the game off; however, an agreement was unable to be reached. It is understood that sanctions could have been made towards the club if the game did not go ahead.
Lee Johnson Furious After Sunderland Game Goes Ahead
Johnson Believes Game Should Have Been Called Off
Following the game, Sunderland Head Coach Lee Johnson was understandably frustrated that the game went ahead, saying: “That game should have been called off. There’s no doubt in my mind. It was dangerous for the players who played in terms of the injuries, the U23s played yesterday.
“It’s great Mitch [Curry] got his debut but he played 90 minutes yesterday.
“The team was changing by the hour and I can’t help but be angry and frustrated. I’m not 100% sure who I should be angry at because I had to control the controllables and focus on the ones who could play.
“I don’t think we got any help or clarity from the EFL.
“You see the likes of Bristol Rovers who cancelled their game in very similar circumstances, but the threat of a sanction was too much for us to risk.
“That was the bit that was very unclear and very unhelpful from the EFL.”
Sunderland Avoid Defeat Despite Missing Eight First-Team Players
With the EFL unwilling to call the game off, Lee Johnson was forced to select the best team possible. Some had played just 24 hours earlier for the under-23’s. Johnson and his team came into this game on the back of an impressive 4-0 victory away at Lincoln City on Saturday. However, Johnson’s plans for the home game against Wimbledon were thrown into disarray following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Many changes were made to the side that won at the weekend. Johnson was also forced to include several players carrying knocks or had played just 24 hours earlier. The Black Cats controlled much of the first-half but struggled to create chances on goal. Wimbledon rarely attacked but when they did close to halftime, they were awarded a penalty from which they scored.
The second-half began much the same as the opening 45 minutes. Sunderland did eventually equalise on 62 minutes via defender Bailey Wright. However, the home side struggled to gain momentum following the goal with the visitors creating the better chances. The game ended 1-1 and following the events of the day, Lee Johnson and the Sunderland fans will be relieved to gain a point.
EFL Statement
The EFL released a statement on Wednesday morning, saying: “The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.
“All EFL Clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads.
“Throughout our extensive discussions on Tuesday it was made clear to the management of Sunderland that the option existed for them to inform the League they were unable to fulfil the fixture, but this would result in the circumstances being investigated as a result of the Club being required to fulfil their fixture obligations in accordance with the regulations.”
Shrewsbury Town and Blackpool Games in Doubt
Sunderland are set to travel to Shrewsbury Town for a league fixture on Saturday. At present, it is unclear whether this game will go ahead. At present, Lee Johnson will have eight players missing due to the outbreak. They are set to miss the trip to Shrewsbury and the visit of Blackpool the following Tuesday.
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