Premier League announce all fixtures suspended amid coronavirus outbreak

[Celerity]

Man City vs Arsenal was the first Premier League game to be postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak - now Man City and Manchester United's forthcoming fixtures are on hold

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/premier-league-fixtures-suspended-coronavirus-17916604

The Premier League have announced that all upcoming fixtures have been postponed, and the league suspended until April 3rd, due to fears over the spread of coronavirus. The COVID-19 disease has hit the football world over the past week or two, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi both testing positive and self-isolating. Everton, Leicester and Man City players are also self-isolating and UEFA have announced that next week's Champions League and Europa League games have been postponed due to the spread of the illness.

Manchester City's midweek game against Arsenal was the first in the Premier League to be called off amid coronavirus fears and the Gunners' weekend fixture with Brighton followed suit after the news about Arteta emerged. That prompted Premier League officials to hold an emergency meeting on Friday morning to decide the best way forward. And, as expected, they announced a mass postponement of matches effect immediately, meaning the next two weekends of fixtures will not go ahead, including the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The EFL have also suspended all their fixtures until April 3rd, which is immediately after the next international break. A joint statement from the Premier League, FA, EFL and Women's Super League said: "Following a meeting of Shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.

"Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19. “In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.

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