Thomas Frank
Brentford’s Premier League clash against Southampton has been postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Bees’ squad. The west London outfit, who were due to play the Saints on Saturday, have had a number of first team players and members of staff test positive in recent days. During his pre-match press conference, Brentford manager Thomas Frank was told there had been 13 positive cases within the Bees camp.
Thomas Frank said: “We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend. Covid cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs, everyone is dealing with it and having problems. To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Brentford confirmed Saturday’s clash against Southampton had been postponed and would be arranged in due course.
Brentford statement read: “Brentford FC requested the game be postponed after a rise in the number of players and staff in our First Team group testing positive for COVID-19. We are grateful to the Premier League for agreeing to this request. We can also confirm our Training Ground will be closed for all First Team activities until Saturday when a further round of testing will take place. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to Southampton FC and fans of both teams. We trust everyone understands the needs to put the welfare of players, and the staff that work in close proximity to them, first. To maintain medical confidentiality, we will not comment on the status of individuals within our playing or staff group at this time. We will be in touch with all our Southampton ticket holders to confirm the new arrangements once a date is finalised for the rescheduled game. Four other matches scheduled for this weekend have also been called off.”
The Premier League said in a statement: “With the health and wellbeing of all players and staff the priority, and 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.”
