‘Sunderland could have postponed Wimbledon match’ – EFL

The Coal Cats lacked eight players hosting a 1-1 tie clash with

when one tested positive for coronavirus and was followed by seven more.

They decided to go on with the game after having discussions about calling it off and

Lee Johnson

later stated it was a wrong decision.

According to the PA news agency, these situations require the club to step up and ask for a fixture change and not the League ordering a postpone.

“

The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection,

” An EFL spokesperson said.

“

All EFL clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of Covid-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads.

“Throughout our extensive discussions on Tuesday, it was made clear to the management of

that the option existed for them to inform the league they were unable to fulfil the fixture, but this would result in the circumstances being investigated as a result of the club being required to fulfil their fixture obligations in accordance with the regulations.

“This is consistent with the approach taken with other clubs who have been faced with similar situation and the requirement to self-isolate players and staff in line with EFL and Government guidance.

“As Sunderland has confirmed, they opted not to do this for the reasons they have identified and to play in the fixture. That decision rested with the club as only they can make the determination on whether they had sufficient players available from their squad to fulfil the fixture.”

Johnson, Sunderland head coach, said post-match: “That game should have been called off, no doubt in my mind. I can’t help but feel angry, frustrated. At the moment, I am not sure who I am angry at.”

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