Tottenham and Leicester City have both been rejected by the Premier League in their bids to have their match tomorrow night postponed. Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers revealed today he has nine players ruled out through Covid-19 and illness. And Tottenham boss Antonio Conte said he had a 'big problem' with his team as Spurs too have had nine players infected.
The surge of the Omicron Covid variant is wreaking havoc in Premier League dressing rooms, but the league has rejected requests to have further games postponed this week, Sportsmail understands. Manchester United's fixture at Brentford on Tuesday was called off thanks to an outbreak among the visitors' squad, while Tottenham's match with Brighton last weekend went the same way. And with the latest figures showing a record high of 42 positives across the Premier League, others have been in touch to ask for their games to be postponed. However, those appeals have fallen on deaf ears, with the competition keen to ensure minimal disruption while keeping sporting integrity.
Under new emergency protocols agreed by clubs on Tuesday, players will be asked to take up to nine Covid-19 tests each week - seven lateral flow and two PCR - due to fears about the greater transmissibility of the new variant. While clubs unanimously agreed to the new testing regime, there are concerns in some quarters about the logistics involved, particularly the decision to make PCR tests mandatory the day before each fixture. As a result, away teams may have to travel considerable distances while waiting for test results to ensure games can go ahead. Furthermore, new rules for fans were announced on Wednesday. Those attending matches will have to complete a Covid status declaration prior to matchday, along with displaying an NHS Covid pass or proof of a negative test within the last 48 hours. Checks will take place on around 20 per cent of those present.
Supporters will have to get used to Covid checks with vaccine certificates or proof of a negative test required to gain entry to stadiums
A statement from the Premier League said: 'From Wednesday 15 December, all those aged 18 and over attending Premier League matches must complete a COVID status self-declaration via their club's website ahead of matchday. 'This simple online process requires fans to confirm they have a valid NHS COVID pass or negative NHS COVID test within the previous 48 hours. 'Supporters must be prepared to show their NHS COVID pass or proof of a negative NHS COVID test on arrival at the stadium. Checks will take place at all Premier League grounds. 'Fans risk being denied entry if they are unable to show their NHS COVID Pass or proof of a negative NHS COVID test result from within the previous 48 hours, ideally as close to matchday as possible.
Manchester United were forced to close their Aon Training complex after a Covid outbreak
'The safety of everyone remains our priority and since the start of the season we have been working closely with our clubs, Government and local public health authorities to prepare fans and stadium operations for the introduction of COVID certification. 'It is really important fans take the time to understand what is required of them when attending Premier League stadiums, which is why we are asking fans to declare their COVID status ahead of a matchday. 'We want everyone to enjoy matches in safe environments and we and our clubs will continue to urge fans to do all they can and follow public health guidance.'
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