Norwich and Nottingham Forest friendlies with Coventry and Aston Villa CANCELLED due to Covid outbreaks

NORWICH’S pre-season friendly at Coventry and Nottingham Forest’s visit of Aston Villa have been CANCELLED due to coronavirus outbreaks. Both Norwich and Forest have pulled out of their matches due to a small number of positive coronavirus test results within their squads – leaving Villa and the Sky Blues a warm-up game short. The friendles […]

NORWICH’S pre-season friendly at Coventry and Nottingham Forest’s visit of Aston Villa have been CANCELLED due to coronavirus outbreaks.

Both Norwich and Forest have pulled out of their matches due to a small number of positive coronavirus test results within their squads – leaving Villa and the Sky Blues a warm-up game short.

Getty Images - Getty

Aston Villa’s game with Nottingham Forest – as well as Coventry vs Norwich – have been called off due to Covid outbreaks[/caption]

The friendles were both due to be played on Wednesday but have now been scrapped with no rearranged game in place.

A Canaries statement read: “Norwich City’s scheduled pre-season fixture against Coventry City has been cancelled.

“The decision was made as a precautionary measure following a small number of positive Covid-19 test results within City’s first team group.

“The club’s players and staff will continue to follow Premier League protocols and government guidelines, operating and training in their respective first team bubble at the Lotus Training Centre.”

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s trip to Villa has been cancelled following an outbreak at the Championship club.

A Forest statement read: “Today’s behind closed doors friendly with Aston Villa due to take place at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training Ground has been cancelled.

“The decision was taken in the best interests of both sets of players and staff after a small number of positive cases of Covid-19 were identified within The Reds’ first team squad via the club’s continuous testing programme.

“Those impacted are self-isolating in line with Government guidance.”

Forest boss Chris Hughton added: “Unfortunately this was the only decision that could be made in the circumstances to protect the welfare of players and staff at both clubs.

“I would like to personally thank Dean Smith and Aston Villa for their understanding on the matter.

“We wish them all the best for their forthcoming Premier League season.”