Brentford FC’s manager has called for all Premier League fixtures this weekend to be postponed amid the ongoing COVID crisis.
Thomas Frank said he wanted the games to be delayed as cases are “going through the roof”.
It comes after Frank was told during a press conference that four new positive cases had been found at Brentford, which meant the total at the club was now 13.
He said: “We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend.
“COVID cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs, everyone is dealing with it and having problems.
“To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”
Brentford’s game with Manchester United yesterday was postponed due to a COVID outbreak in the United camp.
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The club is scheduled to face Southampton this Saturday.
The rapid rise in Covid-19 cases as the Omicron variant sweeps the country has led to a surge in booking cancellations.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has advised Britons to consider cutting back socialising around Christmas, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should “think carefully” before going out to celebrate.
Prof Whitty told the public “don’t mix with people you don’t have to” at events that are not among the most important to them.
“I really think people should be prioritising those things – and only those things – that really matter to them,” he told a Downing Street press conference.
“Because otherwise the risk of someone getting infected at something that doesn’t really matter to them and then not being able to do the things that matter to them obviously goes up.”
The Prime Minister said: “We’re not cancelling events, we’re not closing hospitality, we’re not cancelling people’s parties or their ability to mix.
“What we are saying is think carefully before you go. What kind of event is it? Are you likely to meet people who are vulnerable, are you going to meet loads of people you haven’t met before? And get a test.”
