Two Boxing Day Premier League Games Called Off

Two English Premier League games due to be played on Boxing Day have been postponed due to a number of Covid-19 cases.

The two matches are Wolverhampton Wanderers v Watford and Liverpool v Leeds United, both due to be played on Sunday, 26th December

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, 23rd December, the Premier League confirmed that both Leeds and Watford have requested to have the games postponed due to positive Covid-19 cases in both squads.
“The Board concluded that Leeds United will not be able to fulfil their fixture this weekend due to the number of players with Covid-19, injuries and illness. The club’s training ground has also been closed after consultation with the UK Health Security Agency and the Premier League,” read a statement on the Premier League’s official website.

“Watford FC continue to have an insufficient number of players to field a team after their game against Crystal Palace FC last Saturday was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak. Due to players coming out of isolation, it is fully expected Watford will be available for their fixture on Tuesday 28 December, against West Ham United.“

The Board assessed applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted Covid-19 postponement guidance introduced to clubs in light of the new Omicron variant.

It further noted that it will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the Covid-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.

“While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks, it is the clubs’ and the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.”

According to The Globe and Mail, confirmed coronavirus cases in Britain, where the omicron variant is now dominant, have surged by almost 60 per cent in a week.

After recording a record 90 positive cases last week, the Premier League urged players to get vaccinated with 16 per cent yet to receive a single dose. While more than 90 per cent of players in the Italian and Spanish leagues have been fully vaccinated, the Premier League said Monday that only 77 per cent of its players were doubled jabbed.