Everton (A) | Game Postponed

[cleavers]

4) Dear Everton, we've had to pull half a dozen players because they've got this potential to pass on a killer virus to your players and staff.

...and your lucky fans who can currently watch a game live.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

4) Dear Everton, we've had to pull half a dozen players because they've got this potential to pass on a killer virus to your players and staff.
But don't worry, we've got another 15 players who can play and don't worry, we know they've been with the others but we're sure they are ok because they've tested negative just like the others who tested negative last week.

Brilliant

 

[cleavers]

I think the rule should have been if 3 or more players contract COVID within X window of time, games are automatically postponed for saftey and investigation.

If it is determined any players were not "clearly and obviously" (you like that one?) negligent in their behaviour then the game will be re-scheduled

Any negligent players found to be so after the investigation are then suspended for 1 game depending on what is found and cannot participate in the replay against the other side or if injured during that game must be suspended for the next available PL fixture.

Can't do that, too much money to be lost.

 

[Metalartin]

How difficult is it to understand that the squad (all players plus coaches) were together just 48 hours ago (playing Newcastle on Boxing Day) and now today’s test suggest a further 5 positive COVID cases (in addition to 4 in last round of testing) ... so everyone in that squad has been in close contact/exposed ... whether they catch it or not is something no one can tell but guideline is to self isolate till another round of tests is done and if you get two consecutive tests 48 hrs apart you can’t be sure ... did Everton or anyone for that matter want to play against the team who have been exposed to confirmed multiple Covid cases??

So there are 9 cases at City, like I first gathered. Others are saying it was 2 on Friday and 3 more yesterday. I haven't seen any official statements clarifying staff vs player results either, so that's been confusing.

4 became 9 in 48hrs, at one club and people are suggesting that's not legitimate grounds for concern?

The question is, did the PL really say: "Meh, it will be fine, carry on as normal"?

I find it hard to believe that City even needed to appeal. If they were refused, then they were absolutely right to appeal. I think it's more likely that the PL board just took too long to give their final decision, after weighing things up.

 

[PrezIke]

There is ZERO evidence anybody was acting "wildly", so it shouldn't even be mentioned. I do think the players should be cautioned about the celebrations, but that's players at all clubs, they could all ACT better for me, close contact should be discouraged.

I think we're having a massive misunderstanding.

I was playing devil's advocate.

I did not mean to to say City players were "wildly" negligent. Maybe was not quite the intention. It was more like saying "maybe" as in I don't know one way or the other.

I meant to pose a scenario and then counter that perspective for those who might try that line of reasoning.

 

[Mancity1980]

What might make sense to ask is why have the City players' names not been released? We now hear Ederson (who else)

I am not suggesting Everton are saints here AT ALL, but I wonder if they feel:

1) The total players City would have out for the game would NOT be enough to postpone the game

2) City waited until the last minute to announce the cases and then be vague because they knew this would allow for a postponement

3) City are doing this basically because they would have lost several key players at the very last minute which would put them at a disadvantage in a huge game but they agreed to the rules for COVID so they should have to deal

Am I missing anything else?

I can also list critiques of ALL 3 of these views.

Mate, I don’t think you realise the seriousness of this situation. If we had played you tonight we could well be looking at two premier league clubs suspending their fixtures instead of one. Two could have been four in a matter of days and then it is question of league suspension, not withstanding people getting seriously ill. Now show some class and except it.

 

[Toffeedude]

Not surprised when it comes to Anything that comes out of Liverpool
Classless

I come out of Liverpool and I am lovely

 

[dublinblue12]

Everton should be thanking us, they are missing key players and could have been missing more if this had of went ahead. They get a nice break now before playing Westham.

On the other hand we have nothing to gain by postponing, but will have an unprecedented fixture congestion to deal with.

Anyway whatever they are unhappy about, it's the prem leagues issue not citys.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

I think Everton’s needlessly snarky statement, which looks like a clear PR stunt playing to the gallery, has wound a few up as it has fuelled yet another media pile-on

The official statement from Everton is disgusting and classless and purely designed to create headlines. Is Everton's position that they wanted the game to go ahead knowing at least seven City players and at least another four staff members have got Covid 19? They wanted the remainder of the squad to visit Goodison risking infection for every Everton player, all Everton staff, and their families?
They have reached the same level as those bastards across Stanley Park.

 

[wolviedinho]

Well well well the anger towards the club is off the chart as per normal. We must be owned by a dodgy Russian?...Nope Or maybe a money laundering club?...Nope. Ok so we must be owned by someone who is not white and is from a terrorist country.....bingo.

The racist media are back in town.

Well done City for trying to save lives.

Shame about Everton but I guess they have reverted back to being cunts after a few wins. These history clubs are deplorable.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

We provided the medical evidence the premier league made the decision , we dont have to provide any evidence to any body else , media , other football clubs , no one. The only thing we are guilty of is common sense and caution , but that doesnt sell newspapers or attract clicks.

 

[mancity1]

Can't do that, too much money to be lost.

There are times when its just unacceptable to have matches played and this is one of them.

if they were serious about players not contracting Covid then they would play all matches in some designated grounds with all players in a hub.

Minimising travel is the key and event then its no guarantee their won't be cases.

Having players stay in hotels is asking for trouble even if its only for a meal etc.

Our games against Chelsea and Manure must be postponed as should they game against Birmingham.

Their will be many more even with the tightest of protocols especially if players are allowed to stay at home with family etc.

 

[Blu3m00n91]

Rat boy Neville showing his true colours as always the bitter bastard. Imagine some United players got covid and they wasn’t allowed to postpone the game. The out cry would last months

 

[Tokyo32]

So, first let's just make one thing clear, I AM NOT ATTACKING CITY NOR AM I SAYING CONSPIRACY. I'm TRYING to be fair and objective and understand what's going on.

I just wrote post critiquing Everton for having an "agenda" as well. That's called normal (sadly) in cases of anything involving neoliberal capitalism where some entity stands to benefit or lose in a situation, and in particular when facing a unique situation like this with little precedent.

I believe that's what VERY MUCH a massive part of what is going on.

That also doesn't mean City are necessarily "hiding" things. However, if true, the strategy isn't without precedent for being justified, especially if they feel they will be unfairly treated by clubs looking to gain advantages and have already felt victimised by those out to get us (I think it's safe to say City and our fans feel that way 100% from UEFA, 'the cartel", "the agenda", The Sky 4, etc. etc.).

In the global football transfer market, however, this is called "business" and competitive advantage is a widely adopted strategy but this feels outside of that more justified "cut throat" capitalist behavior for some, and certainly the likes of The Guardian-like writers who team up with the more Tory/working class Brexit fans who also hate City.

- Now, normally privicy and confidentiality apply with medical conditions, but these are public figures and as far as I know no one has hidden COVID cases in football. That actually sounds even worse than not revealing, no?

- I DO think there should be an investigation and precautions SHOULD be taken. I don't suspect that is the question. Maybe the question is how late the information was given to Everton or perhaps the PL. Even if it is "legit" I can see why they might feel worried about the timing.

Are Everton right to assume the worst of City? Not a "conspiracy" but that CITY THEMSELVES tried to manipulate things and the PL didn't push hard enough. I AM NOT SAYING THEY ARE, but maybe that's their thinking and that's NOT the same as a conspirasy.

- I don't know how to answer the question "Why should City be afraid of Everton?" other than ask to go check the PL table at this stage, and Everton's aspirations. Does that help?

You cannot honestly say losing all those players would not be a MASSIVE blow to ANY side on the pitch and to morale which would be a major risk for affecting performance. These aren't fringe players these are starters and key players to a side fighting back to the top of the table. Seems odd to suggest otherwise. I would not feel so confident going in if all those players were announced yesterday gone and we played today. Pep has surely been training with several of those players to play in THIS game.

- To say comfortably "no one is trying to gain any competitive advantage" is based on WHAT evidence? Like those top PL clubs who voted us to be banned sooner rather than later when we had the CAS case? Was "no one is trying to gain any competitive advantage" there either? All clubs do, including us.

Well a lot of COVID cases from clubs have been kept hidden before.

Timing would not be good when there is only a 48 hour gap between the matches. Even if all was good the best they would get is 24 hours which means they have to make a decision fast. Just maybe stop looking at this from a football perspective, the club and its staff are meant to stay in a tight bubble, and they got 7 new cases in the past 3 days. The bubble has to be investigated to try and stop the spread.

Everton have aspirations? good for them, but we also have aspirations so I don’t think we should care about what their aspirations are.

You are also making assumptions here, what sort of advantages are we getting. Trying to wait for our COVID players to come back? At the end of the day MAN CITY cannot postpone Pl games, “maybe the pl from medical advice and their own reasoning decided postponing the game was the best option”. I guess Man City pressured them and forced their hands though

 

[itisrising]

I genuinely don't understand how any fan could want a free 3 points as a result of a forfeit. What is the point of having a competition without sporting integrity?

 

[LongsightM13]

Really fuck em.

Three people to rehash a PA story. No wonder they're all going bust

 

[Tokyo32]

Not surprised when it comes to Anything that comes out of Liverpool
Classless

No need for all that. I don’t know him but his messages have been respectful

 

[Sheikh rattle and roll]

Nothing to see here ...
There must be premier league protocols and rules that mandate a club to report Covid to the league following mandatory testing
City carried out the tests and reported the results the medics then gave an opinion and the league called off the game
Nothing to do with City

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

I must say, I'm very confused and a bit disappointed in that Everton statement. If you play two games within 48 hours, during the biggest peak in the country, with a virus that takes 2 - 7 days to show up in testing, in a group of geographically active people sharing the same workspace, you're going to get multiple positives a few hours before the game.

 

[cleavers]

I think we're having a massive misunderstanding.

I was playing devil's advocate.

I did not mean to to say City players were "wildly" negligent. Maybe was not quite the intention. It was more like saying "maybe" as in I don't know one way or the other.

I meant to pose a scenario and then counter that perspective for those who might try that line of reasoning.

No I wasn't having a go at you, but social media who would be implying that.