Sunday’s Premier League game between Fulham and Burnley has been called off following an increase in coronavirus cases among the London club’s players and staff, the league has said.
It is the second game in a row Fulham have been unable to play, with their previous match against Tottenham on Wednesday also postponed.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The match between Burnley v Fulham, due to be played at 12.00 GMT on Sunday 3 January, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this morning.
“After the postponement of their match against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, Fulham’s players and staff were immediately retested and this morning have reported a further increase in positive COVID-19 cases.”
The league’s board has, it said, “decided to postpone the match due to the exceptional circumstances of the ongoing outbreak at the club”.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have condemned players Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso for breaking coronavirus rules.
The trio were pictured at a large party over the festive period, with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini also in attendance, breaching strict Tier 4 guidelines.
All three Spurs players are facing disciplinary action.
Lamela was not named in the squad for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Leeds, with Reguilon on the bench, while Lo Celso is out injured.
The club said in a statement: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas, particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.
“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example.
“The matter will be dealt with internally.”
West Ham also reminded Lanzini, who scored a last-gasp equaliser against Spurs in October, of his responsibilities.
A West Ham United spokesperson said: “The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to COVID-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.
“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”
