Oxford United didn’t take to the pitch this afternoon after their League One clash with Crewe Alexandra was postponed.
The decision was made just 35 minutes before kick-off after news emerged that Alexandra midfielder Ryan Wintle had tested positive for COVID-19.
U’s boss Karl Robinson and Crewe manager David Artell had lengthy discussions with the match officials before the decision was made. Ultimately, Robinson didn’t want his team to take to the field against a squad that had been around a positive case. As a result, the match will be rescheduled.
The U’s boss only heard about the case when the visitors arrived at Grenoble Road at 1.30, but believe the opponents were aware as early as this morning when the player in question received the results.
The squad travelled down to Oxford last night before spending the night in Oxford ahead of today’s game.
As a result, Robinson has called for mandatory testing in the lower leagues and believes it is something the EFL need to look at.
He said: “Last week we had a laugh and a joke over the sanitiser, but this is not a laugh and a joke.
“This is taking people’s lives and putting them at risk.
“I spoke on Thursday calling for more help, but this is going to keep biting us on the bum.
“If we’re asked to go and perform, somebody has to take responsibility for blanket testing, consistently.”
Oxford players and staff will now be tested as a precaution, with the club paying for the tests.
Niall McWilliams, the U’s managing director, added: “My opinion is it wasn’t safe to play the game.
“The rules are grey, but at Oxford United, we’re very much black and white with it. We do not and will not take any chances.”
