In what is becoming quite the theme in the Championship, the game between Brentford and Bristol City has been suspended due to COVID-19. At this moment in time, no cases have been confirmed, but, due to symptoms shown within the Bristol squad, the EFL has been informed that they’ll be unable to field a squad.
The New Year Bank Holiday forced the closure of the testing laboratory, therefore leaving staff and players unable to receive testing in time for the game.
More Championship Games Suspended Due to COVID-19
EFL Statement
The EFL released a statement following the news of the Championship game being suspended, saying: “Bristol City informed the EFL that they would be unable to safely fulfil the fixture following symptoms becoming evident within the club’s squad and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and government guidance.
“Due to the New Year Bank Holiday closure of the testing laboratory, the club were unable to arrange the testing of the entire squad and backroom staff ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Brentford Community Stadium.
“The circumstances surrounding the postponement will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.
“A revised date for the re-arranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
Championship Game Between Luton Town and QPR Also Suspended
Following the earlier news of the postponement of the Bristol game, the EFL has released a statement of yet another suspension with the game between Luton Town and Queens Park Rangers the latest to fall victim to the pandemic.
Worrying Times
The news of yet another suspended fixture comes as no surprise following recent weeks which saw games for both Sunderland and Portsmouth face the same fate, among others.
As each game is suspended, however, the worry for the season’s survival will increase- potentially leaving the EFL with a decision to make. With the Premier League also beginning to show signs of a lack of control on the virus, we could be forced into another break in play.
A decision needs to be made, either way, for both the benefit of the clubs and the players.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
