'Gutted', 'Could be a blessing' - Rival fans react to TRIPLE Sunderland postponement update

The Black Cats found themselves at the centre of a controversial dispute following their 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon earlier in the week.

Lee Johnson’s men felt that the fixture should have been pushed back due to a number of first team players being ruled out because of a Coronavirus outbreak at the club.

The EFL responded to their disgruntlement by claiming that the Wearsiders had the opportunity to call off the match, but the governing body also suggested that an investigation would have to be carried out into the incident, and that there could be no assurances made that Sunderland wouldn’t be forced to forfeit the three points.

On Wednesday, the club then released a statement revealing that they had told the EFL that they will not be able to fulfil their next three matches.

Johnson’s side had been due to play Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, Blackpool the Tuesday after, and Hull City on Boxing Day.

Instead they will close the Academy of Light with immediate effect for 10 days, and will return to training on Sunday December 27th ahead of a trip to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday December 29th.

Current Coronavirus protocols would have allowed some Shrewbury fans to attend Saturday’s match in person, and many were left disappointed by the announcement that the game is not going ahead:

@FollowTheTown1 tweeted: “A shame but can’t really argue with that. The right thing to do given the circumstances.”

@93_price tweeted: “SC [Shrewbury boss Steve Cotterill] has the rest he wanted! Gutted to be missing out on a home game, especially when the next ones will probably be under tighter restrictions!”

@RuytonShrew tweeted: “Gutted in that I was looking forward to the game, but clearly the right decision.”

For many Blackpool fans, the prospect of an extended rest over a hectic festive period was received as something of a bonus, and many were still bullish about their chances of beating Sunderland in the rescheduled fixture:

@53BFC53 tweeted: “Full strength on Saturday knowing we have a couple of weeks to recover. Shame, as I strongly fancied 3 points at the Stadium of Light.”

@Topcoach1965 tweeted: “Hope those suffering all recover in full. Happy to wait for the three points.”

@corner_martyn tweeted: “Give us the points”.

Hull City fans seem to be taking a similar stance to the update, although a run of three matches without a win the league left some supporters grateful at the prospect of not having to face a tricky trip to the north east in the coming days.

@JoPSmith25 tweeted: “Well at least I can enjoy my Christmas without City ruining it for me now”.

@CityView1904 tweeted: “This could be a blessing!”

@Louis Suddaby tweeted: “No game for us on Boxing Day. A shame but wonder if it might end up being an advantage for the two home games immediately after”.