Leyton Orient’s big cup clash with Spurs looks in doubt after the London club recorded 18 positive coronavirus tests.
It is even speculated that the O’s could see the game cancelled and awarded to Spurs, costing them a huge maount of revenue. It’s a big blow to the club, who along with the rest of the Football league have found out supporters will not be allowed back into stadiums on October 1st as initially planned.
News of the issue broke via Orient’s official site following their 2-2 draw with Mansfield Town, saying:
“Today (Monday 21st) we received formal confirmation which shows that a number of our first-team squad have tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have informed the EFL and Tottenham Hotspur and will make a further announcement regarding Tuesday’s match shortly.
“We have also informed Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle and Oldham Athletic, our three most recent opponents, prior to the public release of this information.
“Leyton Orient’s priority is the health and well-being of its players and staff. Those who have tested positive will now strictly follow government self-isolation guidelines.
“The Breyer Group Stadium and training ground facilities will be closed until further notice.”
In response, the EFL issued a short notice, confirming that they would be awaiting the outcome of discussions before deciding if any ‘action’ is reuqired.
“The EFL has been made aware of positive test results recorded at Leyton Orient and is currently awaiting the outcome of discussions between the Club and Public Health England which will determine what, if any, action is required outside of adhering to current protocols and guidance.”
The match was due to net Orient around £100,000 due to being shown on Sky TV, a figure that will obviously be lost if they have to forfeit the fixture. A decision is likely to be made shortly, with an announcement expected today, but these supporters had plenty to say about the developing situation.
What I find worrying is that this was not a routine test and only due to playing spurs who paid for tests. So how many other teams not being tested also have a number of staff with it ? It highly unlikely that it was only team with it one tested.
— Adesaddler (@adesaddler) September 21, 2020
Exactly. What if Levy didn’t pay for the tests and we played tomorrow as usual with the positive cases they have? The ramifications could have been absolutely huge
— MELIH (@melihs11) September 22, 2020
Of the lower leagues were treated with more care… They would have much more testing like Uno say the premier League!! Only reason this was spotted was because they where playing a said premier League @SpursOfficial religation battle team… ?. #EFL #leytonorient
— Antony R. Spratley (Mr S) (@AntonySpratley) September 21, 2020
“Action” ? It reads as if they could dock @leytonorientfc 12 points if they really felt like it. What a very poor statement written by the same angry individual that puts all these out. No thought to it’s membership really
— Jason Fage (@jfagej) September 21, 2020
I recon we caught it at Oldham as the players felt ill after that game. There is not regular testing in League 2 so I wouldn’t be surprised if it has spread across the whole league already #LOFC
— Will Archer (@willarcher_) September 21, 2020
If they award the tie to spurs, be nice gesture to donate some money to a great and family club the TV money might have put much needed money , Come on You Osss?????
— Keith Mellish (@keith_mellish) September 21, 2020
Interestingly, it was Spurs who paid for the tests, would be nice if the EFL actually supported their clubs by helping them out financially with things like tests or maybe PL clubs reach out to their local EFL clubs and help out like Spurs have.. Imagine LO not having the tests?
— Marc Trainis (@MarcSpurs) September 21, 2020
Lucky @SpursOfficial actually paid for the tests….I would like to thank them. EFL dont really care but them releasing this statement makes them attempt that they do. Everypne sees through it! EFL are useless.
— Ed Morgan (@Orient_Ed) September 21, 2020
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