The English Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal which was suppose to hold tonight has been shifted "as a precautionary measure" because of coronavirus spread fear.

The final conclusion to postpone the massive encounter between the two English sides in the league came after some of the players and staff of Arsenal FC had physical contact with the Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who has now been tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 disease.

As a precautional measure, the players and staff in contact with the Greek mogul have been placed in self-isolation for 14-days, but Thursday, March 12th, 2020, will be the final day of the isolation. That is because the briefing between Evangelos Marinakis and the Arsenal officials held 13 days ago.

The English Premier League disclosed in a statement:

"Following medical advice, Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC consider it is necessary to postpone their fixture due to be played this evening to give time to fully assess the situation.

"The Premier League has therefore agreed that tonight's game will be rearranged."

The Arsenal Football club also released a statement verifying that some players and staffs have been kept in self-isolation.

“We identified that a number of players met the Olympiacos owner immediately following the game.”

“The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing Covid-19 at extremely low.

“However, we are strictly following the Government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact

“As a result, the players are unavailable for tonight's match against Manchester City and the Premier League has decided the game should be postponed.”

“The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires.

“Four Arsenal staff - who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match - will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete.

“We fully understand how disappointing this is for our supporters, in particular those who were travelling to Manchester for tonight's match. Tickets will be valid for the match when it's rearranged.”

SOURCE: https://abegabeg.com/coronavirus-man-city-vs-arsenal-epl-match-postponed/