Portsmouth director Eric Eisner shares view on English football's next steps as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

On Thursday, the government confirmed there was no medical rationale to close or cancel sporting events at this particular time, despite the impact of Covid-19 on sporting fixtures and events around the world.

However, with news over night that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi had both tested positive for the virus – putting the Gunners’ and London Blues’ first-team squad in self-isolation – the Premier League will now hold an emergency meeting this morning to discuss the implications.

Arsenal’s game with Brighton tomorrow has already been cancelled, leaving this weekend's entire Premier League programme in jeopardy.

Prior to the most recent developments, the EFL released a statement on Thursday evening that said: ‘In light of today’s announcement by the UK Government, EFL matches will continue to take place as normal’ – including Pompey’s home game against Accrington on Saturday.

Yet, in direct response to a tweet from Blues fan and BT Sport commentator Ian Darke, Eisner agreed with the sentiment that football in this country must consider it’s next move in tackling coronavirus seriously, calling it ‘crazy times’.

Darke posted on Twitter: ‘Mikel Arteta testing positive for Covid 19 seems likely to be a tipping point in debate over whether football can continue.’

In his response, Eisner said: ‘I tend to agree with this --crazy times-- the health of everyone is most important right now.’

Pompey manager Kenny Jackett confirmed on Thursday that no Blues player had developed any symptoms of coronavirus.

The Fratton Park outfit played host to Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday, March 2 – four days after the Gunners took on Olympiacos in the Europa League.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis had tested positive for Covid-19.