The Premier League postponements over this festive season continued as Leeds' fixture with Aston Villa on Tuesday, December 28th has been postponed due to COVID-19 cases in the Leeds' squad.
This is the latest in a long line of postponed Premier League fixtures, which has seen the St Stephen's Day fixtures reduced to just six matches.
This is also the second match of the festive season involving Leeds United to be postponed, as their St Stephen's Day clash with Liverpool had been postponed last week.
Everton's visit to Turf Moore was called off as well, as the visitors could not field a team due to COVID cases as well as injuries in their squad.
Aston Villa can confirm our Premier League fixture with Leeds United on Tuesday, December 28 has been postponed due to Covid cases in the Leeds squad.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 26, 2021
Postponement guidance
At the time of Burnley's match being postponed, the Premier League also issued a statement which detailed the protocols that go into postponing matches.
They warned that, while every effort will be made to postpone and call off matches with sufficient time to prepare, there may be cancellations and postponements at short notice.
"The League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority," the Premier League statement continued.
"Where possible, the League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk on a matchday.
"The Board assesses applications to postpone matches on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the new Omicron variant.
"The Board will assess a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of the COVID-19 outbreak at the club; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.
"The Board must also consider the wider risks to the opposition and other people the club representatives may come into contact with.
"While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is the clubs’ and the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible.
"The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution.
"In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Premier League has reintroduced Emergency Measures. These include protocols such as more frequent testing, wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing and limiting treatment time.
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