Reading FC's upcoming match with Luton Town has been postponed after an outbreak of positive Covid cases in the Royals' camp this week.
Set for Saturday at 3PM, Reading were expecting a bumper crowd of more than 20,000 fans for the clash with Luton in celebration of the club's 150th anniversary. But now after a number of players across the senior and U23 sides tested positive, the game has been postponed.
A club statement released Wednesday afternoon explained the decision in detail:
"We are very disappointed to announce that this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship fixture between Reading Football Club and Luton Town has been suspended.
"The club informed the EFL this morning that, following the return of a significant number of positive PCR tests within our first team and Under-23 squads, we are unable to field a team capable of fulfilling the fixture on Saturday.
"In light of the increased rate of transmissions from the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the EFL will review the circumstances surrounding the postponement and work with affected clubs to assist them throughout this challenging period. A rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
"We apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience and disappointment this causes to both home and away supporters, who were understandably looking forward to attending this fixture. However, the health, safety and welfare of our players, coaching team and club staff remains of paramount importance and our primary concern now is to ensure the swift and full recovery of those affected.
"We aim to reschedule our 150th birthday celebration event to a home fixture against Coventry City in February, marking the anniversary of our first competitive fixture in 1872.
"We will update supporters with further information on a rescheduled date for the Luton (h) fixture as soon as it is possible."
Should the Covid situation clear in time, Reading are expected to be in action next on Boxing Day when they travel to Peterborough for a game with huge impications in the relegation battle.
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