The Premier League is unlikely to change Covid postponement rules following the controversial decision to postpone the north London derby, according to recent reports.
Arsenal were due to face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon but the game was eventually called off following a request to delay from the former.
The Gunners had a plethora of absences through injuries, suspensions, Covid-19 and international duty, with four of their first-team players currently at the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the lion share of these were non-Covid related, leaving Spurs extremely frustrated with the decision to postpone the game, admitting their disappointment with the league's decision in a strongly worded club statement.
Despite frustrations from large sections of the Lillywhites' fanbase, as well as parts of the media, i news claim that the criteria for postponing games is unlikely to change midway through the season.
The report claims that the Premier League has discussed the rules with clubs several times over the past few weeks and has even sought opinions on their efficiency, with injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations factored into decisions on potential postponements.
It is also reported that if the north Londoners were to propose a change in the rules, it would need to be presented during a Premier League shareholders’ meeting, requiring support from at least 13 other teams to pass.
Speaking on the whole situation, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards claimed that Arsenal were unfairly criticised, insisting they have done nothing wrong.
"When it’s Arsenal it feels like everyone wants to lump in", Richards told Sky Sports.
"They’ve been in great form and by the rules have done nothing wrong. They’re playing by what they deem as not having enough first-team players. I understand other people being frustrated but in my opinion they’ve done nothing wrong.
"Let’s be honest, other clubs would do the same. This is not an Arsenal thing. People say the way they’ve handled it, it could’ve been better.
"Yes, in terms of integrity of the game but if you know you’ve not got enough first-team players, every team in the Premier League would look after themselves and if they say they wouldn’t, they’d be lying."
