West Brom placed on ‘Red’ protocols after EFL emergency statement
The latest wave of the Omicron variant has forced the EFL to take urgent action as well as outline to clubs the circumstances that can see games postponed going forward.
A statement was released today (16th December) instructing a number of clubs, West Brom being one of those, to initiate ‘Red’ protocol for the first team.
Clubs will now have to implement a daily screening programme of testing, depending on the supply chain availability of Lateral Flow tests.
Players will also be forced to social distance when not participating in physical sessions with manual therapy, indoor facilities and group travel also being placed under restrictions.
Any person with symptoms or displaying a positive test will be required to take a PCR test and isolate in compliance with the Government guidance.
A number of EFL games postponed due to the spike in cases amongst clubs. There has been some controversy with many still going ahead despite a high number of players and staff testing positive.
The EFL looked to provide clarity surrounding this controversy: “The EFL has also provided guidance on non-fulfilment of fixtures, confirming that Clubs will be expected to play where it has 14 players including a goalkeeper available from the Club’s registered squad list,
“Under 21 players not on the squad list but have played one League match, or any other contracted player not on the squad list but otherwise would have been eligible to play. The EFL will assist Clubs in their deliberations.
“This guidance has been designed to help Clubs ensure the safety of players and staff, while ensuring that the fixture schedule can be maintained wherever possible. Where any Club states it cannot fulfil a fixture, a report shall be filed with the EFL, and the circumstances reviewed.”
The Baggies enjoyed a 1-0 victory over Reading last time out despite missing four first team players due to COVID-19. They were without Cedric Kipre, Conor Townsend, Matt Clarke and Semi Ajay.
It is still uncertain whether tomorrows clash with Barnsley will go ahead or even if football across England will still be played as many call out for a break in fixtures to stop the lethal spreading amongst clubs.
In other WBA news, Kevin Phillips doesn’t want West Brom matches called off before COVID cases increase.