EFL respond after Sunderland's game with AFC Wimbledon goes ahead despite EIGHT COVID-related absences
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A positive test in the senior squad on Sunday led to seven further players being forced to self-isolate, leading to the Wearsiders having a depleted squad for the visit of the Dons.
Post-match, head coach Lee Johnson said he felt ‘let down’ by the EFL after the fixture was played – with the club claiming before the game that the lack of clarity surrounding potential sanctions were the game postponed a contributing factor to the game going ahead.
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Hide AdAnd the governing body have now offered their take on the events surrounding the fixture.
An EFL spokesperson told The Echo: “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.
“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 Sunderland 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.
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Hide Ad“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.”
It remains unclear whether Sunderland’s fixture with Shrewsbury Town – scheduled for Saturday, December 19 – will go ahead as planned.