Blackpool's upcoming game against Sunderland CALLED OFF after Covid-19 outbreak at the Stadium of Light

The Black Cat's game against AFC Wimbledon went ahead last night despite Lee Johnson's side being without eight players, who have either tested positive, shown symptoms or come into contact with someone with Covid.

The match ended 1-1, leaving Sunderland in ninth place, two points ahead of Neil Critchley's side.

The Seasiders were due to make the trip to the North East on Saturday, December 22, just three days before Christmas.

However, that fixture has now been postponed - along with two other Sunderland games - after a further four players tested positive for the virus.

It means Blackpool will have no midweek fixture between this weekend's game against Accrington Stanley and the Boxing Day clash against Rochdale.

A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

This is the second time the fixture has been moved, with the original date - Saturday, October 10 - pushed back following Sunderland's international call-ups.

"Sunderland's next three League One fixtures against Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool and Hull City have been suspended," the EFL said in a statement.

"The club has today informed the EFL that they will be unable to fulfil the fixtures following guidance from the local authorities, including Public Health England, on Wednesday that has resulted in facilities at the club being closed.

"After one senior player tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, selected players and staff undertook additional testing and a further four cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed and therefore all those affected are required to self-isolate for 10 days as per guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

"Sunderland, the EFL and the relevant authorities will be conducting a thorough review of the club's Covid-19 secure procedures with the view to reopening the stadium and the training ground as soon as possible.

"The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.

"All EFL clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of Covid-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads. This includes informing the EFL if they determine they are not able to fulfil a fixture safely.

"The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.

"Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course."

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