Sam Allardyce backs Premier League ‘circuit breaker’ after confirming one positive West Brom case

Sam Allardyce has backed a ‘circuit-breaker’ to halt the Premier League season after admitting he fears for his health with coronavirus cases on the rise.

The West Bromwich Albion boss, 66, revealed there had been one positive case at The Hawthorns this week and would support a pause to the campaign to try to reduce the number of cases.

Manchester City’s match at Everton was postponed due to an outbreak in Pep Guardiola’s squad, while Tottenham’s derby against Fulham is in doubt following a number of positive cases at Craven Cottage.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has backed a two-week football break amid a Covid-19 spike

Allardyce confirmed there was one positive coronavirus case before their 5-0 defeat to Leeds

After watching his side beaten 5-0 at home by Leeds, Allardyce said: ‘Everyone’s safety is more important than anything. 

‘When I hear this variant of the virus transmits 70 per cent quicker, we can only do the right thing, which would be to have a circuit breaker.

‘I’m 66 and the last thing I need to do is catch Covid-19. Probably players will overcome it but it’s more difficult for someone like me so so I’m very concerned for myself and football in general.

Allardyce claimed that at 66-years-old he cannot afford to catch the virus amid a spike in cases

‘We had one positive case this week. The virus seems to be creeping around no matter how hard we try. 

‘If (a circuit-breaker) helps let’s do it and let the season run a little longer when we get through it.’

It is thought Premier League chairman have held informal discussions about a two-week long pause following the dramatic rise in cases. 

There were 18 positive tests in the Premier League’s latest round, the highest number since regular testing started.