Watford's Premier League clash with Burnley postponed after Covid-19 outbreak

Burnley’s clash with Watford at Turf Moor has been postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the visitors’ squad.

Both clubs had been in talks with the Premier League to determine whether it would be safe for the fixture to take place as planned and the game was called off just three hours prior to the scheduled kick-off.

A statement from the English top flight confirmed the Hornets had ‘an insufficient number of first-team players available to fulfil the match’ and apologised for the inconvenience caused to fans.

It comes after the Premier League reported 42 new positive Covid-19 cases among club players and staff in the week that had passed, the most returned over any seven-day period since results were first released in May 2020.

Manchester United’s midweek trip to Brentford also had to be postponed following an outbreak in the Red Devils’ camp, with the highly contagious Omicron variant threatening to cause major disruption to English football’s busy winter schedule.

A new date for the encounter between Burnley and Watford – who sit 18th and 17th respectively in the division – will be announced in due course.

This evening’s three other matches, held at Brighton, Crystal Palace and Arsenal, are all expected to go ahead as it stands.

A Premier League statement read: ‘It is with regret the Premier League Board has postponed Burnley FC’s home fixture against Watford FC, due to be played this evening (Wednesday 15 December) at 7.30pm.

‘The decision was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within Watford’s squad. As a result, the club has an insufficient number of First Team players available to fulfil the match. 

‘The Premier League understands this decision will disappoint and frustrate fans who were due to attend this evening’s game and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused at such short notice.

‘In considering any application to postpone, the Board considers a range of sporting and medical factors. Each decision is taken on a case-by-case basis with everyone’s health of utmost importance

‘In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.’ 

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, a ‘worried’ Claudio Ranieri revealed his fears that fans would soon be prevented from attending matches again.

The Watford manager told reporters: ‘The situation is, I think, now and the next days there will be other players with the problem.

‘Also, people with two vaccinations can take the new virus and then it’s very difficult.

‘I think sooner or later there will be some more players and more matches that can’t be played – it’s very very sad.’

Asked whether he was concerned about the prospect of supporters not being allowed into grounds again, the Italian replied: ‘I’m worried because the fans are the core of our football, of our sport, without fans it’s very sad.

‘It’s very important to stay every day with the mask and stay very, very careful in every situation.’

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