Expert blasts ‘lack of transparency’ over Chelsea affair as Tuchel seethes
The Premier League needs to be more transparent with the way it deals with potential match postponements involving the likes of Chelsea.
So says medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in fitness and data analysis.
Chelsea submitted an application for their match against Wolves last Sunday (16 December) to be postponed, but it was rejected by the authorities and the pair played out a 0-0 draw.
The Blues had several confirmed cases of Covid-19 among their number and were only able to name six substitutes
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel was furious at the league’s decision, telling The Mirror on Tuesday (21 December) that “the problem will only increase”.
Dinnery assessed the regulations and called for greater transparency from the suits at Premier League headquarters.
“It can appear a bit arbitrary,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But there is a lack of understanding that comes from the decision-makers’ lack of transparency.
“The instant assumption is that it is purely a numbers game. But there is a good reason why it isn’t just about the numbers.
“With Tottenham a short while ago, Conte confirmed they had six positive cases and their match was postponed.
“The day later, Leicester had seven positive cases and their game went ahead.
“The considerations that go into that decision centre around who those cases are affecting. Is it first-team, backroom staff, development staff?
“In theory, Chelsea could have had the game called off if they had just three positive tests but they were all goalkeepers.
“It’s also about circumstances around the training ground. Maybe they have had to have a deep clean and are unable to access the facilities.”
Chelsea are due to play Wolves on Tuesday (28 December) after their Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa was called off.
They currently have five players sidelined, and five of those are Covid-related.
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