League One side Rochdale have suspended their next two fixtures due to a Covid-19 outbreak.
The Dale were due to host Crewe Alexandra at the Crown Oil Arena on Tuesday, December 29, before hosting MK Dons on Saturday, January 2. These games will now not take place as scheduled.
COVID-19 Outbreak Sees Two Rochdale Fixtures Suspended
Rochdale Statement on Having to Suspend Fixtures
A club statement said: “We can confirm that Rochdale’s next two Sky Bet League One fixtures have been suspended.
The Club has advised the EFL it is unable to fulfil the fixtures due to Covid-19, with players and first-team staff required to self-isolate in line with EFL and Government guidance.
As a result, the upcoming fixtures with Crewe Alexandra and Milton Keynes Dons scheduled to take place on Tuesday 29 December and Saturday 2 January, respectively, at the Crown Oil Arena, have been suspended and the circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.
Football Hit Hard by COVID-19 Outbreaks
Rochdale are not the first club to have had to suspend fixtures and unfortunately do not seem like they will be the last.
League One has particularly been hit, but it’s a growing problem across the boards. 2019/20 Premier League runners-up Manchester City have joined Newcastle United in postponing fixtures this month, following new positive tests today, their game against Everton, which was intended to be played tonight (December 28, 2020), has been called off following a further outbreak.
Club Apologise for Delay in Communication
Rochdale also took the time to apologise to supporters for the delay in communicating the news.
They added: “We would like to apologise to supporters for the frustrating delay in communicating this news. This has been due to taking every step possible to ensure that we complied with all EFL regulations and guidance surrounding the suspension of fixtures. Thank you for your understanding.”
Rochdale sit in 19th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
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