The postponement of today’s Tottenham vs Arsenal game needs very little scrutiny applied to it. The original conditions of the rulings in respect of postponements in the current pandemic climate were straightforward enough, and I really cannot be bothered to present them here for the umpteenth time. In a nutshell, they were sensibly focused upon the Covid virus.
The Premier League has now publicly stated that players absented on international duty, or injured, are now also a factor. Their statement reads:
“The decision is a result of a combination of COVID-19, existing and recent injuries and players on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“All clubs are able to apply for a postponement if COVID-19 infections are a factor in their request.”
This leaves so much latitude as to beggar belief.
“The Premier League’s postponement rules are designed to protect the wellbeing of players and staff, while maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition.
“Club requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the Omicron variant.
The wellbeing of players and staff bears no relation to international games or injured players. The Omicron variant equally has nothing to do with anything.
Both clubs had one (1) case of virus infection, and that ought to be the full extent of any governing bodies’ involvement in respect of extraordinary circumstances.
Now, we have this mother knows best approach which essentially solves nothing, but only serves to further cause chaos in the fixture schedules. Which ironically could cause the well-being of players to be at risk.
The integrity of the game as a whole is quite possibly damaged permanently, and clubs have been inadvertently offered a situation which they might seek to manipulate to their advantage if they were so minded.
Add to which, the fact that in the 21st century, supporters do not live particularly locally to stadiums, and for many, if not all, the opportunity to return to normal life and go and watch the football is just another piece of their lives taken away without their consent – and without a penny of compensation.
For me, the European Super League cannot come soon enough. I find it difficult to believe an organization even more fixated with cash than the Premier League would be so keen to disrupt their fixture list.