Leeds’ visit to Liverpool and Wolves’ match against Watford on Boxing Day have been called off due to coronavirus infections, the Premier League has announced.
Both matches were due to be played on Sunday at 12.30 but were postponed following requests from Leeds and Watford.
The Premier League board met on Thursday morning and agreed to the requests from the clubs.
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“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,” a Premier League statement read.
“The Board today was able to make its decisions in advance of Boxing Day to give clarity to clubs and their supporters. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to those fans’ festive plans.
“The League is aware that the decision to postpone these two matches will disappoint supporters and understands their frustrations at a special time of year when fans look forward to attending and watching football games.
Wolves’ Boxing Day fixture against Watford has been postponed after a request made by the visitors to the Premier League was accepted due to rising Covid-19 cases.
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 23, 2021
“The League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is the priority. The League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if matches become at risk on a matchday.
“The Board concluded that Leeds will not be able to fulfil their fixture this weekend due to the number of players with COVID-19, injuries and illness. The club’s training ground has also been closed after consultation with the UK Health Security Agency and the Premier League.
“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.”
Preston’s Sky Bet Championship match at home to Sheffield United on Boxing Day has also been postponed due to a number of positive Covid-19 cases in the North End squad.
The Lancashire club informed the EFL on Thursday morning and have now released a statement confirming the game is off.
It read: “The club have taken immediate action to shut the training ground temporarily in order to mitigate any potential further spread of the virus.
“We apologise for the disappointment that this postponement causes to supporters of both clubs, however the priority remains the health and safety of everybody connected with the club at this time.”
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