Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi has delivered a message to supporters following the postponement of the Premier League due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Matches in England's top flight have been suspended until April 3 at the earliest amid the outbreak, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi among those to have tested positive for COVID-19.
In response to the unprecedented situation, Shi issued a statement on the official Wolves website, saying: "I write this note at a time of great adversity, not just for football, or for the country my family and I are honoured to now call our home, but for the population of the entire world that we share.
"Firstly, I would like to heap praise on our coaches, players and staff who travelled to Athens this week to take part in a fixture that none of us felt was appropriate to play. They showed great professionalism and dedication to take to the field in a stadium devoid of atmosphere, in a continent gripped with anxiety, and still deliver a performance and positive result.
"At Wolves we have a responsibility to protect not only our players, but also every employee at the club, which is why we have taken the further step of asking all of our staff to work from home over the forthcoming days and weeks.
"From my knowledge and understanding of the virus, social distancing is crucial to the fight against it, so this is a necessary course of action and a sacrifice we all have to make.
"I appeal to our supporters to follow our lead, and to stay as safe as possible during what will no doubt be a very testing time. Please don't underestimate the threat of this virus, to you or those around you, and employ best practice to limit the spread, including good hygiene and proper social distancing, which are both key.
"Until then, please stay safe and don't take any risks. Look after yourselves and look after each other. We will get through this."
Nuno Espirito Santo's side drew 1-1 with Olympiacos behind closed doors in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday, after having a request to postpone the game rejected by UEFA.
Ben Knapton
