Aston Villa v Burnley postponed due to positive Covid results
Aston Villa's Premier League clash with Burnley has been postponed following an increased number of Covid positive results in the Villa squad.
Saturday's match was called off a little more than two hours before the scheduled 3pm kick-off.
Villa are thought to have requested a postponement at around 10.30am, after the results of PCR tests conducted on Friday confirmed more positive cases in their squad.
The Premier League board then met just before noon to discuss the situation, with Burnley informed of their decision at around 12.15. A statement confirming the postponement was released around half-an-hour later, with both Villa and the Premier League apologising for the lateness of the call-off.
Villa's statement explained: "The club is extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused to Burnley Football Club, both our own supporters and the Burnley fans due to attend the fixture but have acted as swiftly as possible this morning to minimise disruption."
Villa had been without several players due to positive Covid tests for Tuesday's 2-0 win at Norwich.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, boss Steven Gerrard claimed the remainder of the squad had returned negative lateral flow tests ahead of training that day.
But Premier League protocols now require clubs to conduct additional PCR tests the day before a match and it is those results, not available until Saturday morning, which revealed further positives.
A statement from the Premier League read: "After reviewing all the new information provided by Villa this morning and receiving separate medical advice, the Board approved the request as a result of the club not having enough players to field a team.
"This decision was based on the number of COVID-19 cases, injuries and illness.
"The League understands the decision to postpone the match at such short notice will frustrate and disappoint supporters, and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused.
"The remaining four Premier League matches due to be played this weekend are currently scheduled to proceed as planned."
Villa's match is the sixth of 10 scheduled top flight matches scheduled for this weekend to be postponed due to Covid issues.
