Blyth Spartans postpone South Shields friendly over coronavirus infection rate fears

The area has been added to Public Health England’s watchlist as an area of concern following a spike in the number of coronavirus in recent days.

Health bosses warned people must follow guidance to avoid further restrictions and the prospect of a local lockdown.

A tweet from South Shields confirmed: “Today's game with @Blyth_Spartans has been postponed.

“We were informed this morning by Blyth that they were no longer willing to play us due to the rate of infection in South Tyneside.

“We will inform those who bought tickets of how they can apply for refunds on Monday.”

Blyth, who compete in National League North, said they were protecting the safety of their supporters, management, players and officials.

“Blyth Spartans AFC has taken the decision to cancel this afternoon's friendly at South Shields due to concerns over the increased Covid-19 infection rate in South Tyneside,” a Blyth statement read.

“Always our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our supporters, management, players and officials.”

“And having taken into account the current circumstances that surround South Tyneside, we feel we would be putting those people at risk by fulfilling the fixture.

“Supporters who purchased tickets will receive a full refund. We ask those to keep hold their ticket and await further information via our club website and social media platforms early next week.”