Sunderland's promotion rivals have game postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

The news means the Imps will have to postpone their upcoming third-tier clash against MK Dons.

Lee Johnson’s Sunderland played Michael Appleton’s outfit just 11 days ago at the Stadium of Light with the promotion-chasers playing out a 1-1 draw.

Lincoln are currently fourth in League One and five points behind Sunderland but the Black Cats have a game in hand over the Imps.

Back in December, Sunderland were hit with their own Coronavirus outbreak which saw games against Shrewsbury, Hull City, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley postponed.

The Imps, however, are next due to play on April 6 against Charlton Athletic but it remains to be seen if that game will be allowed to go ahead.

A Lincoln City club statement read: “Following discussions with Public Health Lincolnshire and the EFL, the decision has been made to close the Soper of Lincoln Elite Performance Centre to protect the health and wellbeing of all of those connected with the club.

“This closure has led to the postponement of our upcoming fixture versus MK Dons in Sky Bet League One.

“Whilst the club is naturally disappointed in its inability to fulfill the fixture, the primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of its staff, players and opponents.

“News on the rearranged date for the postponed fixture will be communicated in due course and until that point, in the interest of medical privacy, the club will be making no further comment.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor