SAN FRANCISCO, January 05, (THEWILL) – Concerns about the continuation of contact sports were heightened after a new set of guidelines came into force in the United Kingdom to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.
However, elite professional sport remained unaffected and will be allowed to continue in England, despite new nationwide lockdown measures announced by British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on Monday.
From Tuesday when it becomes effective, the lockdown will require everyone to stay at home. This comes as a consequence of a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, caused by a new variant of the virus which is considered to be more infectious.
It is the third in the series of lockdowns that have been enforced by the administration since the outbreak reached the shores of the UK and it is expected to last for at least six weeks, at which point the government hopes to have administered the first dose of the vaccine to those most vulnerable.
Last year, professional sports were suspended for three months following the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, with social distancing enforced to slow the spread of the virus for the duration of the initial lockdown, especially after some players and staff at different clubs tested positive and had to go into self-isolation according to protocols. That will not be the case this time.
The Premier League, EFL (the English League), SPFL (Scottish Professional Football team) and WSL (Women’s Super League) will continue as normal, while adhering to the testing protocols that have been in place for the duration of the 2020/21, as they have been classified as “elite” sport and granted an exemption from the rules.
This move will provide some respite for many football fans who will have very little to look forward to over the coming months. To be able to enjoy and watch live professional sport, instead of being stuck with a cycle of old reruns will be appreciated by many.
Yet, there are obvious concerns for the schedule of matches in the EPL amid worries about a significant rise in cases among clubs across the country, the uncertainty surrounding which games will hold and which teams have been identified to have COVID-19 and the enforced postponements that have attended recent fixtures.
For instance, Newcastle were forced to close their training ground amid an outbreak of COVID-19 at the club, while Championship duo Sheffield Wednesday and Derby have followed suit over the past few days after a spate of positive tests within their camps.
Recent postponements in the Premier League will have to be rescheduled with new dates that suit the calendar for the teams involved. Fulham’s planned games against Tottenham and Burnley were both called off at very short notice.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have felt the pinch more than any other side. Not less than six of their first team members have gone into self-isolation after testing positive. They include Kyle Walker, Gabriel Jesus and Ederson. As a result, their tie against Everton had to be postponed.
As if this was not bad enough, a crop of footballers from EPL clubs have been involved in avoidable and ridiculous breaches of restrictions. Some were pictured flouting the government’s previous set of rules over the Christmas and New Year period, behaviours which their clubs censured publicly.
As the UK braces itself for the Tier 4 national lockdowns, it is highly unlikely that such indiscretions will be repeated. But, it will be a pleasure that football will go on, especially for the fans.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
