Hammer blow: Moyes and two West Ham players sent home after pre-match positive tests

September 23 – The unpredictability of Covid-19 struck at an English cup game on Tuesday night which was controversially allowed to go ahead.

West Ham United manager David Moyes and two of his players were sent home after returning positive tests 70 minutes before their home League Cup kick-off against League One Hull City.

Medical officials from both clubs agreed to let the tie take place after consultation with the English Football League which runs the competition.

West Ham said Hull had declined their offer to pay for tests for their team. Testing is not mandatory in the EFL, whereas it is in the Premier League.

West Ham were forced to change their team at the last minute having announced the results 13 minutes into the game.

The EFL said in a statement: “The League was made aware of a number of positive test results.

“Those individuals affected are now following the relevant Premier League and Public Health England advice and guidance and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“That guidance permitted the match to go ahead as planned but not before the two clubs’ medical teams, in conjunction with the EFL’s medical advisers, agreed all relevant protocols had been followed and both teams were comfortable in continuing.”

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