Arsenal's Match With Brighton Postponed After Mikel Arteta Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Arsenal's Premier League game against Brighton on Saturday has been postponed following the news of Mikel Arteta's coronavirus diagnosis.
The Premier League has called an emergency meeting for Friday morning, having initially declared all top flight games would go ahead as planned despite the pandemic.
Games across Europe and the world have been postponed, with the United Kingdom taking softer precautions compared to other European countries.
📝 Saturday's @premierleague match against @Arsenal has been postponed following the news that broke earlier this evening concerning Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 12, 2020
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said, via the club's website: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Mikel Arteta and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“It’s absolutely essential the health and wellbeing of individuals takes priority and with that in mind Saturday’s match has been postponed.
“We apologise to all fans for any inconvenience but trust everyone will understand that we are all facing an unprecedented situation.
“The Premier League has announced this evening that they will convene an emergency meeting of all clubs tomorrow morning [Friday], and we will update supporters on future fixtures as and when we are in a position to do so.”
Arsenal confirmed on Thursday evening that Arteta had tested positive for coronavirus. The club's training ground has since been closed and those who had recent close contact with the former midfielder will self-isolate.
Speaking on the issue, Arteta said: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”
Three unnamed Leicester players are in self-isolation after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, with test results expected on Friday.
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was diagnosed with coronavirus on Wednesday, while Real Madrid's players will stay at their homes after a member of the club's basketball team tested positive.
For more information on which leagues, fixtures and clubs have been affected and the latest news regarding the coronavirus in football, see 90min's live blog for the latest updates.