Despite the absence of fourteen players positive for Covid-19, Eupen was forced to face Cercle de Bruges this Sunday as part of the 22nd day of the Pro League. The Eupenois lost 0-2 and temporarily occupy twelfth place in the standings (25/66).
In a statement issued before the start of the meeting, the German-speaking club explains that it has requested a postponement of the match twice, Friday and in the night from Saturday to Sunday. Two requests refused by the Pro League. “The refusal was motivated by the fact that among the fourteen players currently infected, there are not at least seven players who have played more than 30% of the playing time so far.“, details the KAS.
To mark their disagreement, the Eupenois turned their backs on the cameras when the teams were presented in an empty Kehrweg, and the Pro League anthem was not played.
Eupen points out that “currently, only twelve players in the KAS Eupen squad fulfill the condition of having played at least 30% of the minutes played. From these 12 players, we must deduct Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (African Cup), Isaac Nuhu and Jonathan Heris (both injured) as well as four players currently infected with Corona. So there are only five players left. Four of those five players tested positive for Covid-19 on January 4. From a medical point of view, they cannot be considered cured and can only be used at risk. For this reason, these players should be added to the four currently infected players, which would allow KAS Eupen to fulfill the condition that eight players with at least 30% playing time cannot currently be fielded due to Covid- 19. At least not if the health and physical integrity of the players is the top priority of the Pro League.“
On Saturday, Mechelen, also affected by Covid-19, did not show up in Leuven after the Pro League refused to postpone its match.
