LONDON (UK) – Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases at top-flight clubs, West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce has sought a temporary halt to the Premier League season to act as a circuit breaker.
According to the Premier League, as many as 18 individuals had tested positive for the pandemic between Dec. 21-27, the highest in a week this season. Sheffield United have reported several new cases before Tuesday’s 1-0 rout by Burnley.
More infections were reported by Manchester City on Monday, days after Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker tested positive forcing the postponement of their game at Everton.
As Britain is grappling with a highly infectious variant of the novel coronavirus, Allardyce said it was time to act.
“Everyone’s safety is more important than anything else. When I listen to the news the variant virus transmits quicker than the original … we can only do the right thing which is have a circuit break,” he told media persons.
“I’m 66 and the last thing I want to do is catch COVID. I’m very concerned for myself and football… We had one positive this week and it seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try.”