The UK Government is serious about stopping the spread of coronavirus from people coming into the country and their latest decision affects Arsenal.
The Gunners will travel to Athens for their Europa League round of 32 return leg against Benfica.
They will now have to quarantine for the next 10 days after they arrive back in the UK.
This is because the Boris Johnson-led government has refused to grant an exemption to elite sports as the country tries to curb the spread of the killer disease.
The new guidelines have been sent to Premier League teams with Sky Sports reporting that players may train and play matches when they return to the UK, but they will have to self-isolate for 10-days outside their work setting which means they will only leave their house for the elite sport environment.
They can halve their quarantine time if they test negative to covid-19 5 days after their return to the country.
Sky Sports reveals: “The rules state that anyone who goes on international duty must remain in their sporting bubble at all times while away, in order to avoid a spell of unconditional isolation once they return.
“If a player exits the national team’s bubble – to visit friends or family – that will invalidate their quarantine exemption and they must self-isolate for 10 days.
“The latest guidance also removes the quarantine exemption for new signings, as well as managerial and coaching appointments.
“It will have a direct impact on teams involved in European competitions this week.
“Chelsea play Atletico Madrid Bucharest in the Champions League on Tuesday while Manchester City face Borussia Monchengladbach at the Puskas Arena in Hungary on Wednesday.
“Arsenal travel to Greece on to play Benfica for the second-leg of their Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday due to Portugal being on a ‘red list’ of countries drawn up by the UK government.”
This makes a complete mockery of playing any type of sport until covid is under control.
As Jon Fox famously said way back last year, sport is not necessary at this time – it’s all down to greed and the money men.
The successful clubs from last season are now being punished this season… funny old game it certainly is!!!!
This is how the story unfolds. Football without the fans!?messier than messi mesmerizes defences.
Sorry Ken but I just do not agree with you on this. I think now more than ever Sport is playing a big part in keeping people occupied and interested. All sports are now being played and televised, more do than ever. What’s the hardship of having to travel for an unfavourable draw? These players are being paid whether playing or not. The club needs the revenue from Sky and Spondors otherwise there would be no Club.
All other sports are up and running so I just cannot see the issue. I’ve just received confirmation of tickets for the first 4 days of the Ashes test in Brisbane. Other countries are far more positive than the UK that sporting events will continue.
So basically there are exemptions,if they can train and play matches where’s the story.
So what exactly has changed, nothing as far as I can see. Not seen this raised as an issue anywhere else in the media either.