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Second EFL club has multiple forthcoming fixtures postponed

A second EFL club has multiple forthcoming fixtures postponed, it has been unfortunately confirmed and posted via social media on Tuesday.

Accrington Stanley were set to face Swindon Town today, however a few days ago it was revealed that that would not be going ahead.

Now their upcoming games against Plymouth Argyle and Hull City have been suspended due to players testing positive for Covid-19.

Accrington said in a club statement: A further two Accrington Stanley Sky Bet League One fixtures have been suspended.

The decision follows the recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate for between 10-14 days as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

As a result, Saturday’s home fixture against Plymouth Argyle (31st October) and next Tuesday’s fixture at Hull City (3rd November) have been suspended.

The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Meanwhile, a League Two club also postpones their next three league fixtures, coming just hours before they were due to kick off Tuesday night’s game.

Scunthorpe United’s home fixture to Salford City will now not be going ahead, joining the League One fixture between Swindon Town and Accrington Stanley.

It becomes the second match from the English Football League to be called off due to the coronavirus within a teams’ camp.

The Iron said: “Scunthorpe United can confirm our next three Sky Bet League Two games have been postponed due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases amongst the playing and coaching staff.

“Due to these cases, the club has advised the EFL it is unable to safely fulfil the fixtures against Salford City (Tuesday, October 27th), Colchester United (Friday, October 30th) and Port Vale (Tuesday, November 3rd) at present.

“Following testing on Monday, a total of eight players have now tested positive for COVID-19, with a further 10 having to self-isolate due to coming into close contact with those particular players, leaving just 10 players available. As a precaution, training for the unaffected players and staff will also cease for seven days.

“The club is following all of Public Health England and the EFL’s COVID-19 protocols and will not name the players in question. We ask that their request for privacy and confidentiality are respected at this time.

“We wish those affected a swift and safe recovery, and look forward to welcoming them back to the club soon.

“iFollow match passes that have already been bought for the postponed games can be used for the rearranged fixtures.”

Manager John Coleman says the eight players who tested positive for Covid-19 are thankfully not seriously ill.

“I have spoken to the players and some of them are asymptomatic while a few are feeling it a little bit,” said the Reds boss, who tested negative but is self-isolating.

“Luckily none are seriously ill but they are fit lads and we hope that will help them a bit.

“Now it’s about following protocol and keeping everyone safe and limiting the spread, that’s our duty to the general public.

“We are mindful of that which is why we consulted the EFL and tomorrow’s game is postponed.

“We also need to protect those who haven’t tested positive and we need to batten down the hatches to stop it circulating any further.

“Hopefully everyone will come back OK.”

Every player was tested on Thursday morning after a couple fell ill, with the results received on Thursday tea-time.

“It’s not ideal to be missing what could be a number of games but that’s the situation which we are in.

“It’s a big blow to be playing catch-up in the league but we have to get on with it and protect the players, staff, their families and the public.

“We just have to deal with it and we will.”

Managing Director David Burgess added: “The club has basically closed down whilst the first team players self-isolate.

“The youth team and academy are part of a separate social bubble and train at a different venue from the first team and, whilst we are keeping a close eye on everyone, they will continue to train and play their weekend games.

“All other club staff continue to operate from the Wham Stadium’s offices and retail shop, which again is separate from all first team activities.

“The club reacted quickly upon receipt of the test results on Thursday evening and completed all the necessary protocol from within its Covid Operational Policies.

“We will now keep everything closed and be ready for the first team to return in the next couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile, manager Karl Robinson says he is refusing to accept a rearranged date for Oxford United’s home clash with Swindon Town.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans has been left furious at the EFL after he felt his team and staff were put at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

There was plenty of reaction as a second EFL club has multiple forthcoming fixtures postponed…

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