Phil Parkinson reveals drastic measures Sunderland AFC are taking over coronavirus fears

Sunderland will be out of action for two weeks after the Blackpool game on March 14 following Bury FC’s withdrawal from League One.

And with the coronavirus continuing to escalate, the club has informed its players to stay within the UK to prevent the risk of spreading.

Parkinson said: “The break comes after our game with Blackpool when we were due to play Bury and possibly the Southend game.

“We’ve told the lads they can’t go abroad. Some of them want to go away but we don’t think it is wise for anyone to go abroad.

“That’s a decision we’ve made as a club. We’ve all accepted that. Some were planning to go away but we’ve given ourselves every chance of keeping the virus away from Sunderland AFC.”