Thomas Tuchel last night launched a stinging attack on the Premier League for refusing to postpone Chelsea’s match at Wolves, after he was left without seven players who had tested positive for Covid-19.

Chelsea had requested the match to be called off only for that appeal to be rejected by the Premier League board.

Tuchel was able to name only four outfield players on the bench for the game at Molineux, which ended 0-0, but it is understood that, as they had 14 fit players, their application did not meet the threshold for postponement.

In a statement, the club admitted they were “deeply disappointed” and the issue will be discussed at today’s Premier League board meeting, where the latest Covid-19 surge is expected to be high on the agenda.

“We applied to not play and put the situation under control and it was rejected,” Tuchel, the Chelsea manager, said. “We thought we had a strong case. It is very hard to understand it, we are concerned about the health of the players. We are disappointed, we are a bit angry.”

The Premier League declined to respond to Chelsea’s statement but whenever announcing Covid-related postponements, it has said: “Each decision is taken on a case-by-case basis with everyone’s health of utmost importance.”

Elsewhere, Leeds United have issued a temporary suspension for the supporter arrested on suspicion of racially abusing one of Arsenal’s players at Elland Road, and will impose a lifetime ban if found guilty.

The arrest was made after Arsenal reported the first-half incident, with substitute Rob Holding initially speaking to fourth official John Brooks about the apparent abuse. Leeds are understood to be awaiting information from the police, and have put the temporary ban in place while the investigation is ongoing.

According to club sources, the supporter would never be allowed to buy a club ticket again if an offence were proved. Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, confirmed after the victory that the club had reported the incident, with the Football Association and West Yorkshire Police investigating.

“One of the players sat on the bench heard these comments,” Arteta said. “I don’t know who it was. It’s
disappointing. It is a single person. That doesn’t merit that a full stadium pays the price.”

Referee Andre Marriner spoke to the Leeds coaches about the allegation and at full-time police spoke to Emile Smith Rowe, who had been on the Arsenal bench.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]