Dale get a bye into round two of the Carabao Cup after Covid-19 outbreak at Harrogate Town

Crown Oil Arena

Rochdale AFC has been given a bye into the second round of the Carabao Cup after a Covid-19 outbreak at first round opponents Harrogate Town.

Harrogate had been due to host the first-round tie on Tuesday evening (10 August), but had to postpone that game and their next two fixtures after a number of positive cases.

The EFL in a statement said Harrogate had planned to reschedule the cup tie but were unable to within the required time period.

It said: “It has been determined that opponents Harrogate Town would be unable to fulfil the Round One fixture within the required time period.

“This follows a request to reschedule Harrogate’s next three fixtures after number of positive cases of Covid-19 were identified within the club, and a number of individuals being unable to play or train due to either a positive test, or the requirement to self-isolate, in line with government and EFL guidance.

“While Harrogate Town did seek to reschedule the Carabao Cup fixture, the available date proposed would not have provided enough time for logistical arrangements to be made, or tickets to be sold for the Round Two tie and in accordance with Carabao Cup rule 5.1, Harrogate Town will therefore forfeit the tie.”

Rochdale players and backroom staff returned negative Covid tests on 9 August, whilst further testing will take place at the club this week as a precaution following the league game against Harrogate on Saturday.

Information about how fans can obtain refunds for any tickets purchased for the first round game has yet to be released by Rochdale.

The second round of the Carabao Cup takes place on 24-25 August.