KARL Robinson says he is refusing to accept a rearranged date for Oxford United’s home clash with Swindon Town.

The derby was called off on Friday night following four confirmed coronavirus cases, three of which were among the Robins’ coaching staff.

As with all postponed games, the English Football League (EFL) will investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision which saw Swindon say they could not fulfil the fixture.

It came hot on the heels of United having two games with Crewe Alexandra called off due to Covid issues at the Cheshire club.

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In announcing the game had been postponed, the EFL statement said a “revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course”.

If United get through in the EFL Trophy, the next available Tuesday is on December 22.

But Robinson felt the game could have gone ahead, so believes his side should have the points.

He said: “I’m refusing to accept the date from the EFL, they know that.

“I didn’t agree with the comment that we were waiting for a date.

“Why should there be a date? You had a date, it was Saturday and you couldn’t play it.

“Anything I say is borne out of pure frustration really. I just hope at some stage it gets resolved properly.

“That goes for us if we did it. We would deserve a points deduction and the other team should have the points.”

He added: “At no stage are we crucifying any one individual.

“This is a collective responsibility as an industry to make sure to the best of our ability we get as many games played as possible, whoever we have fit and available.”

Robinson said the EFL had been supportive of United’s position on Friday, but has previously been critical of vague rules on coronavirus which lead to inconsistency.

Also read: Oxfordshire trio handed home ties in FA Cup first round

While Swindon called the game off, Barrow played on earlier this month after manager David Dunn tested positive and his assistant Rob Kelly

self-isolated.

In their absence, defender Sam Hird and development coach Craig Rutherford took charge of the side.

United have drawn up a succession plan for who takes charge if staff have to self-isolate.

Robinson said: “There’s a long list and it gets down to people who have coaching badges and an ability to take a game of football.

“In the world we live in we can watch it at home and get on the phone to make changes from afar.”

Meanwhile, United have tightened up their own procedures at the training ground.

It is following a conference call between club doctors across the EFL, which Robinson believes will lead to updated guidelines on indoor activities.

The United boss said: “We’ve decreased the numbers in dressing rooms and individually given them their own seats in the canteen.

“We believe in doing things right – and you can do all that and still catch this virus.”