Everton want answers after game with Man City called off due to Covid-19

Everton will request “full disclosure” of the information Manchester City provided to the Premier League which led to the postponement of Monday’s fixture at Goodison Park hours before kick-off.

City’s training ground has been closed for an indeterminate period after a number of their players tested positive for Covid-19 following the latest round of testing. The club had confirmed four positive tests on Christmas Day, including those for Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus, with unconfirmed reports that a further three players have now tested positive.

A Premier League board meeting agreed to rearrange the fixture after taking medical advice before postponing a game that would have been attended by 2,000 home supporters – a decision that left Everton frustrated and disappointed.

“Our players were prepared for the game, as were both the team staff and everyone at Goodison,” said the statement. “Matchday is the most important date in our calendar. And this was a big one. Whilst Everton will always have public safety uppermost, we will be requesting full disclosure of all the information that Manchester City provided to the Premier League so the club can be clear on why this decision was taken.”

A City statement read: “After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day. With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond. Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, has decided to postpone the fixture.

“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK government protocol on quarantine. The first-team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume. Everyone at the club wishes all of our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”

A statement read: “This rise has created uncertainty and the Premier League board received medical advice that the match should be postponed. The board agreed to rearrange the game as a precaution and further testing will now take place tomorrow. The decision has been taken with the health of players and staff the priority. The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing them. The League wishes those with Covid-19 a safe and speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture against Everton in due course.”

The Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, meanwhile, has tested positive for coronavirus, ruling the Brazilian out of their upcoming matches against Brighton and West Brom.