The English Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City scheduled for 6:30pm on Monday have been postponed.
The clubs confirmed the development in separate statements on Monday evening.
They said the postponement followed COVID-19 outbreak in the City squad.
“Following a Premier League Board Meeting this afternoon, Everton Football Club has been informed that tonight’s fixture against Manchester City has been postponed on medical grounds due to an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Manchester City squad,” Everton said in a statement.
“Supporters who were successful in getting match tickets through the Club’s ballot for the fixture are advised not to travel to the stadium.
“An alternative date and kick off time has yet to be decided but will be confirmed on evertonfc.com as soon as possible.
City said the outbreak posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad and the staff.
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The Manchester side said the positive cases involving players and staff would observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol.
The club also said their first team training ground at City Football Academy would close for an indeterminate period.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that this evening’s Premier League fixture at Everton has been postponed,” City said in a statement.
“After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.
“With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.
“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.
“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume.
“Everyone at the Club wishes all of our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”
https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1343587699677143041?s=20
If City’s players are unable to return to training in the coming days, it would cast doubt over their Premier League meeting with Chelsea on January 3, the EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United three days later and also their FA Cup tie with Birmingham City, which is due to take place on January 10.
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