COVID-19: Premier League manager, two players test positive

Premier League campaigners West Ham have been rocked by a trio of positive coronavirus tests, including manager David Moyes.

The Hammers received the positive results, which include defender Issa Diop and midfielder Josh Cullen, less than an hour before kick-off in their 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Hull City, which continued with assistant Alan Irvine in charge and both players – who had been set to start – withdrawn from the team.

West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen have returned positive tests for COVID-19.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 22, 2020

All three were not showing symptoms and had arrived at the stadium ahead of the game but were immediately sent home.

Medical staff from both clubs, as well as the EFL, discussed their next steps and all agreed that the game could go ahead.

Hammers defender Issa Diop has also returned a positive coronavirus test

A club statement from West Ham – whose players and staff were all tested on Monday – read: “West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen have returned positive tests for COVID-19.

“The Club’s medical team were informed of the test results as the team were at London Stadium preparing for this evening’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Hull City. The manager and both players immediately left the stadium and have returned home.

“All three, who are asymptomatic, will now follow Public Health England and Premier League guidelines and protocols.

“Everyone at West Ham United send their best wishes to David, Issa and Josh.

“Tuesday’s match will go ahead as planned, with Assistant Manager Alan Irvine taking charge of the team.”

West Ham insist that their measures to prevent the spread of the virus remain “stringent”, but also revealed that they had offered to pay for the Hull squad and staff to be tested – with the process not mandatory at their level – though the League One club declined.

West Ham added: “The Club’s measures and protocols around COVID-19 remain stringent. This included offering to test the Hull City team ahead of tonight’s fixture – an offer which they opted not to accept.”

West Ham are due to face Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday, a match from which Moyes, Diop and Cullen will have to be absent due to self-isolation rules.

They will also miss the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against either Fleetwood Town or Everton next week.

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