BECKENHAM TOWN have pulled out of Saturday’s scheduled Combined Counties Premier South match with Jersey Bulls, having refused to travel to the Island.
The Kent club, who became the first side to beat Jersey Bulls when they secured a 1-0 win on the opening day of this season, has opted not to make the journey to Springfield due to ‘implications’ that pre-travel Covid testing may have on their playing squad.
All visitors to the Island must either be fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from Covid or have proof of a negative pre-travel PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival.
An online statement from Jersey Bulls said: ‘Sadly, Beckenham have decided not to play the fixture. The matter will be dealt with by the league. As everyone knows, coming to Jersey is straightforward. If you are not fully vaccinated then you take a PCR test before travelling. We will not be commenting any further.’
The Bulls also had their home game against Frimley Green, scheduled for Monday 3 January, called off because of a Covid outbreak within the opponents’ camp. That game has been rearranged for Tuesday 5 April but the fate of the Beckenham tie remains unclear as the latest postponement appears to be a result of a refusal to complete tests.
CCL officials could rule in favour of the Islanders by awarding them the win by forfeit, although a rearrangement is also possible.
