Why today’s Manchester City vs Arsenal match was called off

The Premier League have postponed today’s match between Manchester City and Arsenal after Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner, Evangelos Marinakis, tested positive for coronavirus two weeks after watching his Greek team at the Emirates Stadium.

The 52-year-old, who spends his time between Nottingham and Greece, was at Arsenal’s stadium to watch his team play in their victorious Europa League last-32 tie on February 27.

But Marinakis penned a statement on Instagram on Tuesday confirming that he had contracted the coronavirus, just 12 days after attending the match in north London.

A video posted by Marinakis on February 28 also shows the Greek owner celebrating in stands before receiving a big hug at the Emirates during Olympiacos’ win over the Gunners.

Later on in the same video, it cuts to the away dressing room where Marinakis celebrates with his Olympiacos players just moments after they knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League.

Arsenal revealed in a statement they have “identified that a number of players met the Olympiacos owner immediately following the game” and have vowed to strictly follow Government guidelines.

That means those who were in close contract with Marinakis should self-isolate but they will be able to return to training on Friday, two weeks after they had contact with Marinakis. Arsenal have stated their players are ‘unavailable’ for Wednesday night’s match, which is now off.

Arsenal’s statement added: “The players will remain at their homes until the 14-day period expires. Four Arsenal staff, who were sitting close to Mr Marinakis during the match will also remain at home until the 14 days are complete.

“We fully understand how disappointing this is for our supporters, in particular those who were travelling to Manchester for tonight’s match. Tickets will be valid for the match when it’s rearranged.

“As a further precautionary measure, whilst we do not believe there was any close contact with any other Arsenal guests or staff in the directors box restaurant, we are contacting them to advise they should follow the relevant advice if there has been any such contact.

“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Mr Marinakis a swift recovery and we look forward to the players and staff returning to work on Friday in preparation for our match at Brighton.”