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Today’s Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Burnley has become the latest fixture to be postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak.
With five other matches already called off prior to the weekend, the Villa Park encounter was set to be Saturday’s only remaining 3pm kick-off in England’s top tier.
However, additional positive tests among the home team’s squad this morning have put paid to any hopes of the game going ahead as scheduled.
An official Premier League statement read: “Due to more positive cases in the Aston Villa squad today, the Premier League Board has regrettably had to postpone the club’s home fixture against Burnley FC, due to kick off at 3pm this afternoon.
“After reviewing all the new information provided by Aston Villa this morning and receiving separate medical advice, the Board approved the request as a result of the club not having enough players to field a team.
“This decision was based on the number of COVID-19 cases, injuries and illness.
“The League understands the decision to postpone the match at such short notice will frustrate and disappoint supporters, and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused.
“The remaining four Premier League matches due to be played this weekend are currently scheduled to proceed as planned.
Villa were apologetic to both their own supporters and travelling fans in a press release, explaining the circumstances behind the postponement in greater detail.
The statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm that today’s Premier League fixture with Burnley has been postponed due to an increased amount of positive Covid-19 test results within our playing squad.
“The results of PCR tests, which were taken yesterday prior to training as well as Lateral Flow Tests, were received this morning and confirmed further depletion of our playing squad which was already impacted upon for our trip to Norwich in midweek.
“All individuals who tested positive are now isolating in line with Premier League and government guidance and protocols.
“The club is extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused to Burnley Football Club, both our own supporters and the Burnley fans due to attend the fixture but have acted as swiftly as possible this morning to minimise disruption.”
It is the second time in four days that the Clarets have seen one of their games postponed only hours before kick-off — their Wednesday clash with Watford was also pulled due to coronavirus cases in the Hornets camp.
