ON OR OFF ?

[South East Rover]

State of play for Doncaster Rovers as they await Covid-19 test results ahead of Fleetwood Town trip
Doncaster Rovers are awaiting the results of a raft of Covid-19 tests before determining whether they will be able to play Tuesday’s game at Fleetwood Town.
By Liam Hoden
Monday, 28th December 2020, 10:29 am

Rovers were forced to postpone the Boxing Day clash against Accrington Stanley after two players tested positive for the virus, while other members of the squad were said to be displaying symptoms.

The squad have all undergone testing in the time since Boxing Day and results are pending.

As per EFL guidelines, it will be the responsibility of Rovers to call off the game if they feel that is the appropriate course of action.

Preparations for the game have continued as close to normal as possible. While players and staff are currently self-isolating as they await the test results, they have been told to anticipate the match will go ahead as planned.

Boss Darren Moore is scheduled to carry out his usual pre-match media duties on Monday afternoon.

Four of Tuesday night’s League One matches have already been postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests, adding to the five cancelled on Boxing Day.

The EFL issued a clarification on procedures relating to cancelling games due to Covid-19 outbreaks last week after some clubs expressed confusion over where the responsibility lay for postponing matches.


The governing body confirmed clubs must take the decision but would be the subject of an investigation around the circumstances of any postponement - as will Rovers for calling off the Accrington game.

A statement from the EFL read: “The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.

“All EFL clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of Covid-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads.

“This includes informing the league if they determine they are not able to fulfil a fixture safely.

“The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.

“Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course

[Chris the Rover]

This is a joke. Is it on or off? This is not ideal preparation for an important game.

[mushRTID]

Took the little one for three tests this year (for nursery purposes) and results all came back within a day.

You’d have thought at a professional football club we would have them back by now, if not why not?

[sheffield exile1]

I suppose to use popular phrases we need to "follow the science". Basically until the last minute we can't say whether it is safe to proceed or not. Who would be in the unenviable position of making that choice? We have to be patient, however frustrating, as I am sure DRFC will get it on if posible but fully understand if it is off.....

[NickDRFC]

What happened to these “Monday afternoon media duties”?

[rich1471]

Took the little one for three tests this year (for nursery purposes) and results all came back within a day.

You’d have thought at a professional football club we would have them back by now, if not why not?

It's a bank holiday weekend ,maybe their off till Tuesday

[South East Rover]

Officials confirmed for Fleetwood Town
6 Hours ago

Sponsored by



@drfc_official

Andy Haines will be the man in the middle when Rovers travel to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.

The Tyne & Wear based official has been on the EFL list of referees since the start of the 2007/08 campaign, and has overseen 16 matches so far this season handing out 41 yellow cards and two reds.

The last time he refereed a Rovers match was the 2020/21 Sky Bet League One opener against MK Dons which ended in a 1-1 draw. He gave out three bookings on that occasion with Ben Whiteman and Taylor Richards picking up yellows for Rovers.

On Tuesday, Haines will be assisted by Billy Smallwood and Kevin Mulraine. Chris Isherwood will be fourth official.

[DearneValleyRover]

My wife had a test in May as did I, got my results in less than 12 hours, still waiting for my wife’s

[firestarter]

Sky sports aren’t showing our game as one of those cancelled due to Covid so I’m assuming it’s on

[graingrover]

The faster the result the less sure the result since the virus in its early stages may still be developing within the sample taken.48 hours plus provides the most reliable results.

[EasyforDennis]

Andy Haines is due to referee the game. Call it off!!

[Chris Black come back]

Man City called off their 2000hrs game with Everton tonight, at 1700hrs. We have nearly 24hrs to make that call yet.

[silent majority]

My understanding is that the players were being retested today and the results are due back today. Once that’s done they’ll make their position known after consulting the EFL.

[drfc1951]

Just heard on Calendar news that Rotherham have been threatened with a points deduction by efl,if they
dont fulfil their game tommorrow.

[drfchound]

Just heard on Calendar news that Rotherham have been threatened with a points deduction by efl,if they
dont fulfil their game tommorrow.

Yep, I saw that too.
So much for the EFL statement of “The safety and well being of players is a priority”.

[Donnywolf]

... AND though I have posted it on a few threads we wont play again until 9th Jan (Blackburn away) if that one survives

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2020/december/rovers-next-three-matches-postponed/

[BiargeBob]

Now OFF