Premier League makes last minute decision to postpone Foxes vs Tottenham
By Gary Pearson
The Premier League flipped on its original decision this morning and has decided to postpone this evening’s match between Leicester and Tottenham.
The two clubs’ initial request to have the match postponed were denied by the Premier League, who had every intention of going ahead as planned. Their decision flip flopped when Leicester made a final appeal, saying more positive Covid-19 cases were discovered this morning.
It’s the third Tottenham match on the trot postponed due to a Covid-19. The virus, in large part due to the highly transmissible variant Omicron, is sweeping through Premier League clubs, having a staggering impact on a number of teams, including Spurs, Manchester United, Brentford, Chelsea, Leicester, to name a few.
The Premier League released a statement and plans to go ahead with current fixture list if at all possible:
"“While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the League’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible. The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.“The Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on “existing rules and COVID-19 postponement guidance issued to all clubs.“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. The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club may come into contact with.“In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.”"
Things are becoming increasingly difficult to continue as planned. Other worldwide professional leagues, including the NHL, NBA and NFL are also being heavily impacted by Covid-19 and its new highly concerning variant.
It feels eerily reminiscent of what transpired in March 2020, when every professional sports league in the globe suspended action due to the initial outbreak of the then novel pandemic. If things worsen, it wouldn’t come as earth-shattering news if the Premier League, along with others, take the severe step to postpone proceedings entirely.
Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. Tottenham now have three top flight matches — Burnley (due to snow-laden pitch), Brighton and Leicester — to make up in the coming months. They are also waiting on a decision from UEFA as to whether, after the Rennes match was also postponed, they will qualify for the knockout stage of the Europa Conference League.
The festive period is usually one of the most exciting, anticipated times of the Premier League season, where matches come thick and fast and changing narratives keep supporters on the edge of their seats.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say this fluid narrative is both unexpected and unwanted. And I cannot wait to see Tottenham return to action, whenever that may be. Fingers crossed Spurs vs Liverpool goes ahead as planned on Sunday, though the north London side’s preparation, or lack their of, for such a colossal test will severely concern Antonio Conte.