Express & Star

West Brom introduce measures to protect players and staff amid coronavirus outbreak

West Brom also announced plans to restrict fans' access to players in a bid to protect them during the outbreak.

Published
The Hawthorns

The club is be shutting down daily access to its training ground facilities in Great Barr to all but essential staff.

“The coronavirus is obviously a developing situation which is causing growing concern not just in football but throughout society,” said Albion’s Sporting and Technical Director Luke Dowling.

“The last thing we want to do is spoil the natural engagement between the players and fans but we feel it forms part of our responsibility to try to help protect the well-being of the players, staff and our supporters.”

Fans will be asked to refrain from having selfies with the players and some community and commercial appearances have been cancelled.

Mascots may also be restricted from meeting the first time on matchdays starting with Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match against Birmingham City.

In a statement, officials said: "The Club stresses that these measures are being introduced on a temporary basis only and we thank our supporters, sponsors and guests for their co-operation in advance."

Wolves took similar action in recent days.