ARSENAL'S game at Tottenham on Sunday has been CALLED OFF after the Gunners' plea to the Premier League about Covid and injuries.

The decision has caused uproar among fans and pundits alike with many blasting it as 'unfair'.

Arsenal requested the Premier League postpone the game with Mikel Arteta's side potentially missing up to 13 senior players.

But only one of those players is a Covid absentee which has led to outcry from across football.

Tottenham are said to be furious with the decision.

A Prem statement read: "Following a request from Arsenal FC, the Premier League Board met today and regrettably agreed to postpone the club’s away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, due to be played at 4:30pm on Sunday 16 January.

"With Arsenal having fewer than the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), the Board accepted the club’s application.

"The decision is a result of a combination of COVID-19, existing and recent injuries and players on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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"All clubs are able to apply for a postponement if COVID-19 infections are a factor in their request.

"The League apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused to supporters who would have attended or watched the game – we are fully aware that postponements disappoint clubs and fans.

"The League aims to provide as much clarity as possible, but unfortunately postponements sometimes have to be made at short notice, as safety is our priority.

"Where possible, the League will endeavour to keep supporters updated if games become at risk.

"The Premier League’s postponement rules are designed to protect the wellbeing of players and staff, while maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition.

"Club requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on existing rules and adapted COVID-19 postponement guidance, implemented in light of the Omicron variant.

"The Board examines a number of factors, including the ability of a club to field a team; the status, severity and potential impact of COVID-19; and the ability of the players to safely prepare for and play the match.

"The detail within all applications is scrutinised by the League’s specialist staff before the Board makes its decision."

NEV NOT HAPPY

Gary Neville was extremely vocal on the issue on pundit duty for Brighton's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Friday night.

He said: "I believe that all teams, not just in the Premier League but in the EFL, must be made to play their fixtures.

"[Folarin] Balogun's gone on loan, [Ainsley] Maitland-Niles has gone on loan, Xhaka's got a red card – that's not the fault of anyone else.

"We can't be calling fixtures off.

"If it was purely down to Covid and extraordinary circumstances where there are 10-15 players out, [fine].

"But we're now talking about teams over the last few weeks where they've been calling games off based upon whether they've got the best team to win a game.

"It's got to stop and that's not a dig at Arsenal.

"I should have spoken three or four weeks ago.

"Manchester United, other teams have got 30-40 players in the squad – I'm not having they can't get 13-14 players together.

"It should be rejected unless there are a load of Covid cases today at Arsenal. It has to stop now and we have to make teams play."

'NOT ABOUT ARSENAL'

Neville also tweeted: "I repeat this is not about Arsenal but all teams should be made to play from now on in the PL and EFL.

"Also why has the decision been delayed until today when the request was last night at 6.30pm.

"Fans will be setting off from all over the place and will be in limbo!"

But Arsenal legend Ian Wright hit back at Neville, saying: "'FROM NOW ON'.

"It's not about Arsenal or the fans. It's about no more Super Sunday on Sky!"

Arsenal were keen to get the game postponed due to injuries to Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Sead Kolasinac.

Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares were also doubtful.

Martin Odegaard missed the Liverpool clash through Covid while Granit Xhaka is suspended after being sent off at Anfield.

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Meanwhile, Maitland-Niles and Balogun were allowed to leave on loan despite Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe and Mohamed Elneny all going to the African Cup of Nations.

But other teams have had fixtures called off in similar circumstances.

Liverpool were allowed to push back their Carabao Cup meeting with Arsenal – though it later transpired Trent Alexander-Arnold was the only player who tested positive for Covid ahead of that fixture.

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