Leyton Orient vs Tottenham called off following coronavirus outbreak
Discovery of outbreak followed testing that was paid for by Spurs as a precaution
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Your support makes all the difference.The Carabao Cup match between Leyton Orient and Tottenham will not go ahead as scheduled this evening.
The news, confirmed by the English Football League (EFL), follows a coronavirus outbreak at Leyton Orient, who announced on Monday that “a number of first-team players” had returned positive Covid-19 test results.
The likelihood of the match going ahead this evening had been questioned ever since Orient’s statement was released.
It is still unclear whether the tie will be scrapped altogether, forfeited by Orient, or played at a later date.
“Discussions are ongoing between the relevant stakeholders in regards to the implications of the decision not to play tonight’s game and a further update will be provided in due course,” read an EFL statement.
“Leyton Orient, the EFL and the relevant authorities are conducting a thorough review of the club’s Covid-19 secure procedures with the view to reopening the stadium and training ground as soon as possible.”
The decision for the game not to take place comes on the same day the government announced that a planned return of spectators to sports venues in England from 1 October could be on hold for six months due to fears over a second Covid-19 wave.
The discovery of the outbreak at Orient followed testing of the playing squad after Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Mansfield. Mansfield were then informed, as were previous opponents Plymouth and Oldham.
“Leyton Orient’s priority is the health and well-being of its players and staff,” read a statement from the League Two club on Monday. “Those who have tested positive will now strictly follow government self-isolation guidelines.”
The testing was paid for by Spurs as a precaution, with regular testing not mandatory in League Two.
Tottenham are in the midst of a congested run of fixtures, with the game originally scheduled to fall only two days after Sunday’s 5-2 win over Southampton and two days before Thursday’s Europa League trip to Macedonian side FK Shkendija.
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