December 24, (THEWILL) – Burnley’s Premier League match against Everton, scheduled for Boxing Day, has been postponed after Everton requested the game be called off a second time.
Everton requested that their game against the Clarets be postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club and a six-man injury list, but the request was denied. On Thursday, Rafael Benitez told reporters he was “surprised” the game would be played.
However, after requesting that the match be postponed once more, the Premier League agreed to cancel it on Christmas Eve. In a statement, the Premier League said:
“The Premier League board has this morning regrettably approved Everton’s request to postpone their Boxing Day away fixture at Burnley.
“Everton were due to travel to Turf Moor to play on Sunday, at 15:00 GMT. The Board reviewed the club’s request today to postpone the match following further injuries to their squad.
“They concluded that the club will not be able to fulfil their fixture this weekend as a result of an insufficient number of players available to play due to COVID-19 cases and injuries.
“The board this morning was able to make its decision in advance of Boxing Day to give clarity to clubs and their fans. We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused to those supporters’ festive plans.
“The league is aware that the decisions this week to postpone three matches on Boxing Day will disappoint supporters, and understands their frustrations at a special time of year when fans look forward to attending and watching football games.”
On Thursday, Benitez had said: “We have nine outfield players and three goalkeepers. And then we have to bring five new young players into the team, who are not even 21 years old.
“We have players who have knocks and we have to push them. Dominic [Calvert-lewin] has been out for two months and maybe has to play for 90 minutes. It is a massive risk.”
COVID-19-related cancellations have already wreaked havoc on Burnley’s season. While the Clarets have only played 15 Premier League games, others have played all 18.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
