Bristol Rovers’ match with Scunthorpe United postponed as a result of COVID outbreak

First-team manager Joey Barton earlier this morning confirmed the game was in doubt after a number of COVID cases in his squad.

Rovers, who were without key personnel already due to injury and suspensions, would have been without up to six to seven players.

The EFL implemented rules that a team would need to be under the threshold of 14 first-team players and a goalkeeper for a game to be called off.

After further tests came back, the decision has been to postpone the match after Rovers were unable to field a team.

A statement from the club read: “This weekend’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Scunthorpe United has been postponed. Bristol Rovers’ Sky Bet League Two fixture against Scunthorpe United this weekend has been postponed due to a small number of COVID-19 cases in conjunction with a significant number of injuries leaving us with below the required amount of first-team players to fulfil the fixture.

“The health and safety of our players, staff and everyone who works at the Club is the main focus of our concern and we have informed the EFL that we will not be able to fulfil our fixture against Scunthorpe United.

“As a Club, we have bought in stricter regulations before the guidance from the Government and the EFL was implemented. The Club has followed the wide-ranging and comprehensive protocols to protect its players and staff during the pandemic adhering to all of the latest advice and guidance provided by the Government and the EFL. Unfortunately due to the nature of the virus, we have suffered some positive cases of COVID-19 compounded with injuries and suspensions to other first-team players.

“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 for the inconvenience caused by this and a rearranged date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course. The Club would also like to thank Scunthorpe United for their understanding in this difficult situation.”

Rovers match is one of many postponements across the English system this weekend. It is the eighth game in League Two called off whilst 16 others have been called off across the three divisions of the EFL.

Their next match is scheduled to be against Sutton United at the Memorial Stadium on Boxing Day, the situation will be assessed closer to the time.

Further matches away at Crawley Town on Wednesday 29 December and Leyton Orient on New Years Day follow.