Emergency Covid-19 tests for Rotherham United following match postponement

The club asked that today's game at AESSEAL New York Stadium be called off because one of their players has contracted Covid-19 and some others have reported feeling unwell.

The EFL approved their request - with the 'match off' announcement coming 85 minutes before the scheduled 3pm kick-off - but say they will launch a probe into events of the last couple of days.

Test results are expected back on Monday and Millers management, staff and players will self-isolate until the outcome is known.

The Rotherham and Derby squads had turned up at New York earlier today expecting the game to take place.

The Millers camp have undergone regular routine Covid-19 testing, in line with EFL protocols, since returning for pre-season training at the end of June.

EFL statement:

This afternoon’s Sky Bet League Championship fixture between Rotherham United and Derby County has been postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19, with players and first-team staff required to self-isolate in line with EFL and Government guidance.

The Club has therefore informed the EFL it is unable to fulfil this afternoon’s fixture and the circumstances surrounding the postponement will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.

Millers statement:

Rotherham United can confirm that this afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Derby County has been postponed following a positive test of Covid-19 for a member of Paul Warne’s squad, with further players within the first-team bubble showing symptoms of the virus at present.

Following conversations with the EFL and the subsequent medical advice provided by them and that of our own club doctors, the club have taken the decision to request a postponement to the fixture which has been approved by the EFL.

The game which was set to take place at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday 19th December 2020 will now be rearranged.

The EFL have sanctioned the postponement of the fixture as a matter of player safety, which of course remains paramount to both ourselves and Derby County.

The club will be making no further comment at this time.