Game postponed after players come into contact with coronavirus-suffering Nottingham Forest chairman.. prompting Sheffield Wednesday match fears

The reasoning behind the Premier League postponement is that Arsenal players had come into contact with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who yesterday confirmed he is suffering with coronavirus.

Arsenal players came into close contact with Marinakis, who also owns Olympiakos, after their Europa League clash with the Greek giants 13 days ago.

Marinakis was reportedly seen shaking hands with Forest players before their 3-0 defeat against Millwall on Friday, prompting fears the Forest players will need to self-isolate.

But the club offered a statement confirming all players, staff and officials had returned negative tests.

A lengthy Arsenal statement reads: “The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing Covid-19 at extremely low. However, we are strictly following the Government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact.”

The Star understands that Sheffield Wednesday are yet to receive any contact from the EFL over likely next steps but are in contact with Nottingham Forest. We will keep you up to speed with news as it happens with regard to Saturday’s clash.

The EFL are understood to have held meetings with club officials and broadcasters in order to drum up contingency plans in the event of postponements or the option to play matches behind closed doors – an unlikely option on this occasion given the player’s direct contact with the virus.

Forest released the following statement yesterday: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that owner Evangelos Marinakis has tested positive for the coronavirus.

“Mr Marinakis was diagnosed after showing the first symptoms on his return to Greece yesterday afternoon. During his short stay in Nottingham last week he did not show any symptoms of the virus.

“The club are seeking advice from medical professionals and the relevant governing bodies to ensure the correct measures are taken.

“Until this time the club will be making no further comment.”