Yahoo Sports Roy Hodgson: Newcastle United’s Covid-19 outbreak a warning for Premier League clubs
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson believes the Covid-19 outbreak at Newcastle United is a reminder to all Premier League clubs they must remain vigilant.
Newcastle’s match with Aston Villa on Friday was postponed this week due to a “significant” rise in positive Covid-19 cases.
There were fears that Palace might have issues with the virus after facing Newcastle in a Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park on November 27, but Hodgson confirmed the Eagles have had no positives after enforcing strict measures.
Hodgson is relieved his squad is all fine, and they are able to play West Brom on Sunday, but he believes the outbreak at Newcastle has reminded everyone the virus is still a threat.
“We became aware on Monday evening. Monday evening or Monday afternoon I got the call telling me about the situation,” said Hodgson.
“We know a bit more about it from the club point of view thanks to [Newcastle first team coach] Stephen Clemence, who is the brother in law of [Palace sporting director] Dougie Freedman.
“I have great sympathy for Steve and the [Newcastle] team. It must be a real blow after a good result against us to not be able to play the game now.
“What it does show is how vigilant we all still need to be. We have been so well looked after by the Premier League with our testing regimes.
Crystal Palace have struggled for form without Wilfried Zaha.
REUTERS“We have worked so hard, all clubs have I am sure, to obey the rules and make certain we avoid cases as best we can.
“What Newcastle have shown us is that you are never sheltered from it, even though you are doing everything right in your environment. I’m afraid people don’t live in this environment 24/7.
“They do have other people they see, other family members, and they live in areas maybe where Covid is a bit more virile then it seems to be in this southern part of London. Every sympathy, and a little reminder that there but for the grace of God go I.”
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