Rotherham's Boxing Day clash with Middlesbrough is OFF with Millers' players catching Covid-19

Rotherham’s Boxing Day clash with Middlesbrough is OFF with Millers’ players and staff having to self-isolate after contracting coronavirus, while Portsmouth’s next two games are cancelled due to a Covid outbreak too

  • Rotherham are unable to fulfil the Middlesbrough fixture in the Championship 
  • The club are requiring numerous players and staff to isolate with coronavirus
  • The same fate has fell on League One outfit Portsmouth after a Covid outbreak
  • Their Boxing Day clash vs Swindon & December 29 game vs Bristol Rovers are off
  • Circumstances of postponement are subject to an investigation from EFL

Rotherham’s Boxing Day Championship game against Middlesbrough has been suspended after a number of the Millers’ players and staff tested positive for coronavirus. 

Joining them in this predicament are League One outfit Portsmouth who have had their next two games cancelled as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak too. They were due to face Swindon on Boxing Day and then Bristol Rovers three days later. 

It will be the second game in succession that has been called off for Rotherham after last Saturday’s fixture against Derby was postponed less than two hours before kick-off.  

Rotherham's Championship game against Middlesbrough is not being played on December 26

Rotherham’s Championship game against Middlesbrough is not being played on December 26

They confirmed one player had returned a positive Covid-19 test with others in the first-team bubble showing symptoms so the latest news comes as no surprise. There have been more positive tests, although the club did not reveal the exact number. 

A statement on the club’s website read: ‘The Club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture following recent positive COVID-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

‘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.’

Rotherham boss Paul Warne will be frustrated at his side missing the second game in a row

Rotherham boss Paul Warne will be frustrated at his side missing the second game in a row

Rotherham are 21st in the Championship and could be in for a relegation battle this season

Rotherham are 21st in the Championship and could be in for a relegation battle this season

Rotherham are 21st in the Championship table and have only managed one victory in their last five games. 

For Portsmouth, they currently sit top of League One via goal difference on 35 points after 19 games. However, they have played a game more than second-placed Lincoln City.

In a statement about Pompey, the EFL wrote: ‘Portsmouth’s next two Sky Bet League One fixtures against Swindon Town (Saturday, December 26) and Bristol Rovers (Tuesday, December 29) have been suspended.

‘The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixtures following recent positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

‘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.’

With coronavirus spreading across the United Kingdom at a rapid rate in light of the new strain which is transmitted more easily, this could be a sign of more chaos to come. 

There is a daily infection growth rate of between one and four per cent as of December 18. 

If other sides find their Covid-19 bubbles penetrated by the virus there could be fixture chaos with the already-packed festive schedule rearranged for teams such as Rotherham, who cannot fulfil their fixtures.  

source: dailymail.co.uk