Nottingham Forest were supposed to play Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly behind closed doors at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground this afternoon but the match has been cancelled due to a small number of positive tests in the Nottingham Forest team.

In a statement the club suggested “The decision was taken in the best interests of both sets of players and staff after a small number of positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within The Reds’ first team squad via the club’s continuous testing programme.”

Manager Chris Hughton said frustratingly: “Unfortunately this was the only decision that could be made in the circumstances to protect the welfare of players and staff at both clubs. I would like to personally thank Dean Smith and Aston Villa for their understanding on the matter and wish them all the best for their forthcoming Premier League season.”

Forest are supposed to play against Burnley on Saturday at the City Ground, with fans returning for the first time in nearly eighteen months to watch the friendly match against Premier League opposition, the club state that “Any further information concerning the friendly fixture with Burnley on Saturday at The City Ground will be confirmed in due course.”

*Main image @WhatsonBmail Aston Villa’s training ground was supposed to host the Reds.