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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Second Bristol Rovers fixture called off after increase in COVID-19 cases in Joey Barton's squad

Bristol Rovers' Boxing Day clash with Sutton United has been called off after a "small increase" of COVID-19 cases in Joey Barton's playing squad.

The Gas were unable to fulfil their fixture at Scunthorpe United on Saturday after Barton revealed "six or seven" positive tests for the virus had been returned.

And on Monday the club confirmed the outbreak had worsened with more players now isolating with COVID, forcing the Sutton game to be postponed.

Rovers' next game is now the trip to Crawley Town on December 29.

EFL guidance since the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus took hold in Britain has been clubs are expected to fulfil fixtures if they have 14 players, including a goalkeeper, fit and available.

At this time, Rovers cannot meet those numbers with injuries to several players and suspensions for Sam Finley and Cian Harries also a factor.

Five of the 12 League Two games scheduled for Boxing Day have already been called off, and more are likely to follow with Omicron cases rising.

A Rovers spokesman said: "The health and safety of our players, staff and everyone who works at the club remains our top priority and we have informed the EFL that we will not be able to fulfil our fixture against Sutton United.

"In light of the increased transmission rate of the Omicron variant, the EFL will now review the circumstances surrounding the postponement.

"In addition, it will assist affected clubs throughout this challenging period to help them mitigate against the risk of infection amongst players and staff while ensuring their obligations to the EFL regulations are maintained.

"The club would like to apologise to fans again for the postponement of another fixture and a rearranged date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.

"Ticket refunds for this game will be available. Fans who have already purchased tickets ahead of this weekend's game will be able to use their tickets for the rearranged date. The club would also like to thank Sutton United for their understanding in this difficult situation."

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