Bolton Postpones Next Match with Fabrice Muamba in Critical Condition

Bolton Wanderers have decided to postpone their Premier League match on Wednesday with Aston Villa after midfielder Fabrice Muamba remains in critical condition at London Chest Hospital following his collapse during an FA Cup match with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Via the Daily Mirror:

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"Following Fabrice Muamba's admission to hospital yesterday evening, the Premier League and Aston Villa have agreed to Bolton Wanderers' request to postpone the Barclays Premier League match between the two clubs scheduled for Tuesday 20th March," said the Premier League.

"The match will be rearranged at a future date following appropriate consultation with the clubs.

"The thoughts of the Premier League, its clubs and players are with Fabrice Muamba, his family and Bolton Wanderers at this difficult time."

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This is the right move by both clubs. It would be incredibly difficult for the players to participate in an important league match while their focus is on Muamba and his condition.

Playing the match at a later date is certainly best for both clubs and will allow everyone involved to take a break from football, which after all, is only a game.

Bolton might also forfeit their FA Cup tie with Spurs instead of finishing Saturday's match, which was ended after the decision was made not to continue it following Muamba's collapse. If the club does decide to play Spurs, it will take place next week.

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One leading source said: "This is a group of young men, just kids really. How could they cope with going back to Spurs and going through it all again?"

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If Bolton decides not to resume the Tottenham fixture, they would not be penalized as a result. The decision would allow Tottenham to advance to the semifinal of the competition. The winner of the Bolton and Tottenham fixture will play either Sunderland or Everton in the final four.

With the match against Villa postponed, Bolton's next league match is Saturday, March 24 against Blackburn Rovers at the Reebok Stadium.

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