Premier League postpones 2 Boxing Day matches over coronavirus

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The English Premier League on Thursday postponed two Boxing Day matches over new coronavirus cases.

"Following postponement requests from Leeds United and Watford as a result of COVID-19, the Premier League Board met this morning and regrettably agreed to call off the two affected clubs' Boxing Day fixtures," the Premier League said in a statement.

The match between the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford, as well as that between Liverpool and Leeds United, were due to be held on Sunday, at 1230GMT.

The league said that these games would be rescheduled.

It added that Leeds United would not be able to field the minimum number of players due to the coronavirus outbreak, injuries, and illness among its players.

In addition, Leeds United closed their training ground in Thorp Arch for a few days for virus concerns.

"Watford continue to have an insufficient number of players to field a team after their match against Crystal Palace last Saturday was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak," the Premier League said.

"Due to players coming out of isolation, it is fully expected Watford will be available for their fixture on Tuesday 28 December, against West Ham United," it added.

The Premier League had previously announced on Monday that a record 90 players and staff tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.

The league recently reverted to emergency COVID-19 measures, including protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, and observing social distancing after the recent rise in infections across the country.