LONDON: Postponement of the Premier League match between Tottenham and Fulham stepped up speculation over a possible Covid-19 ‘circuit breaker’.

The Cottagers returned a number of positive test results on Tuesday and, after more came in on Wednesday, the Premier League decided to call the match off less than three hours before the scheduled 6pm kick-off.

This was the third top-flight game to be wiped out by the virus, following Newcastle’s match with Aston Villa earlier this month and Monday’s game between Everton and Manchester City.

Earlier the Premier League confirmed 18 positive tests among club players and staff which is the highest weekly figure since testing began in May.

Testing is being doubled to twice a week across the league.

Sam Allardyce, new manager of struggling West Bromwich, is in favour of a two-week ‘Covid break’.

He said: “Everyone’s safety is more important than anything. I’m 66 and last thing I need to do is catch Covid. Probably players will overcome it but it’s more difficult for someone like me so I’m very concerned for myself and football in general.

“The virus seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try. If a break helps let’s do it and let the season run a little longer.”

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is opposed. He said: “I can’t see the benefit because when are we going to play the games? We all know it’s so difficult this year but if you just stop more games I don’t think that’s going to make a big, big change.”

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