All English professional football has been suspended until April 3 due to the Covid 19 outbreak.

Fixtures from the Premier League to League 2 including reserve and youth team fixtures have been postponed.

This follows the decision by UEFA to suspended all European football until further notice after several teams including Real Madrid went into self isolation.

The decision is likely to affect many Manx residents who travel off island to watch football each week.

The suspension of elite football in England means the England friendlies against Italy and Denmark, scheduled for March 27 and March 31 respectively, will not take place.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: ’In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.’

A Premier League spokesman added: ’Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim is to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by academy sides, when it is safe to do so.

’In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.’

The Scottish FA has also decided to postpone all domestic professional and grass roots football ’unit further notice’.

Guernsey FC has also announced its games have been postponed following government advice.

All Manx football is currently planned to go ahead this weekend.