Around the Betting Planet: NFL game postponed over COVID outbreak

US sports news

NFL postpones Steelers vs Titans game

It’s official – Sunday’s much anticipated Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans game is postponed. This follows the increased Covid-19 outbreak within the Titans camp. 11 members of the team have tested positive — five players and six staff.

Although the NFL initially considered moving the game to Monday or Tuesday, it has decided that it would be in everybody’s best interest to move it to later in the year. In the meantime, the Tennessee Titans sports facilities will remain closed for an indefinite period.

No members of the Minnesota Vikings have tested positive yet, although a close watch will be kept on their conditions following their game against the Titans last Sunday. It’s a sad day for NFL supporters, but it has been a consideration that the season would be further interrupted, and it doesn’t come as a total shock to the teams or their supporters.

UK gambling news

UK sportsbooks close markets on US election

Today’s top story for the UK betting markets comes straight from American soil as UK bookmakers started closing their books on the US Presidential Election.

The moment the news broke that President Trump had tested positive for Covid-19, both William Hill and Ladbrokes immediately responded with press releases that they would suspend all betting until further notice. These two prominent sportsbooks will reassess their statuses when more news is available on the President’s condition.

According to a Ladbrokes spokesperson, this is standard protocol and reminded the press that it did the same when the British Prime Minister fell ill with Covid-19 in March. President Trump and the First Lady’s announcement early on Friday is the most severe medical threat the Presidency has suffered in decades. The presidential elections are merely 32 days away, and the world is watching in suspense to see how it will be affected by this devastating news.

Africa sports news

Chippa United sign Isaac Nhlapo 

The news that former Ajax Cape Town captain Isaac Nhlapo has completed his move to Chippa United comes only one day after the club signed Ryan Rae from Highlands Park.

The Chippa squad welcomed the center-back and well known Bafana Bafana defender with open arms. Nhlapo signed a two-year contract with a one-year extension option with the Chilli Boys.

Other players that’ll boast Chilli Boys jerseys include the Namibian Riaan Hanamub, Bienvenu Eva Nga, former forward from Bidvest Wits, Sizwe Mdlinzo, and ex-Celtic winger Ramasimong Maloisane. Chippa confirmed that Nhlapo was their last signing for the current window and that they will release the names of other youngsters being promoted from its development programs soon.

Europe sports news

Barcelona deny Dembele to Man United rumors

The struggle continues to confirm whether Manchester United are in the process of buying Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona. There are rumors of large money transactions doing the rounds with no solid press-release from either side yet. Barcelona’s Ramon Planes completely denied any negotiations with Man U. Ronald Koeman reiterated it, and all he had to say was that Barcelona and Dembele would decide such a move.

He considers Dembele a valuable member of his team and says he expects to see the best of his potential this year. It seems as if Man U should turn their attention back to Sancho for the time being. 

South America sports news

Rodrigo Vilca joins Newcastle United

Deportivo Municipal will wave goodbye to Rodrigo Vilca this week after the club accepted an offer from Newcastle United. It is believed that Vilca’s final time on the field for Deportivo is this coming Wednesday, after which he will travel to Newcastle to join his new squad.

According to the Daily Mail, the youngster cost Newcastle £250,000 and they plan to loan him out straight away. The strategy is to get him seasoned while on loan in preparation for the English Premier League. Vilca has brought all attention to himself after he scored three goals in his last 12 games. This youngster from Peru is an exciting new talent to watch.

Australia sports news

Richmond choose Metricon for AFL semi-final

Richmond made a surprising announcement that they will play their AFL semi-final next week at Metricon Stadium, not the larger Gabba stadium. The Tigers have beaten four of the top eight teams at the Gold Coast venue.

Coach Damien Hardwick said the reigning premiers believe the proximity of the ground will give the team an advantage, as it’s a mere 400m away from their hub accommodation. He chuckled when mentioning that they also thought they had an advantage at the Gabba up to Friday night’s loss, as the Tigers had 11 straight wins in Brisbane until then.