Coronavirus hits League 1 side Portsmouth FC, Three Players Test Positive

English League One side Portsmouth FC confirmed that three of their players tested positive for the Coronavirus. The three players James Bolton, Sean Raggett and Andy Cannon have entered self-isolation in line with the British government’s advice.

Arsenal played Portsmouth 2 weeks before the tests. Their manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus eleven days after the match and has since recovered. The Portsmouth staff was tested within the 2 weeks taken for symptoms to manifest and it is possible that the trio may have contracted the Coronavirus from Arteta.

The club received the positive test results on Friday. Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin said he spoke to first-team manager Kenny Jacket and the head physio Bobby Bacic. He then revealed that Kenny and he spoke to all three infected players.

Portsmouth FC Executive: Football isn’t Immune from the Coronavirus

Catlin said football isn’t immune from the Coronavirus. “I can assure you that it only hits home when those you know contract it.”

Die-hard Portsmouth supporters will truly understand the meaning of these words. Catlin went on to reveal that the trio of Canon, Raggett, and Bolton was in good spirits. They were “perfectly calm” and showed mild or no symptoms. The trio looked forward to overcoming the Coronavirus soon.

Sean Raggett replied to Portsmouth FC’s tweet confirming that three of their players tested positive for Coronavirus. He thanked the people for their concerns and urged everyone who came in contact with him to stay safe.

Football in England is suspended until the 30th of April. The resumption is subject to conditions at the time. Portsmouth was locked in a battle for automatic promotion to The Championship.

They will certainly hope to hit the ground running with all three infected players in good health once the EFL League One resumes.