Players of the English top-flight club Arsenal and staff have been placed in 14-day self-isolation after it emerged that some of them had contact with the Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has been named as a positive case of CODIV-19.
The development comes as a precaution until the 14-day period advised by the government is up. They are expected to return to training on Friday, and tonight’s Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal has been postponed due to the coronavirus scare.
Mr Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest, watched the Greek side beat the north London club at the Emirates Stadium on 27 February, just 13 days ago.
Premier League said in a statement: “Following medical advice, Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC consider it is necessary to postpone their fixture due to be played this evening to give time to fully assess the situation.
“The Premier League has therefore agreed that tonight’s game will be rearranged.”
It is the first top-flight game in England to be called off because of the outbreak and the statement shows no other fixtures were in immediate danger of being postponed. Many other sporting events worldwide have been cancelled, postponed or played behind closed doors.