The Swansea hotel where Southampton were due to stay before Tuesday’s crunch match at the Liberty Stadium but which told the south coast club of a virus outbreak on Sunday afternoon has said Saints were “able to make their own decision regarding accommodation” and the inconvenient situation is unconnected with the pending six-pointer in the city.
Mark Hughes and the Southampton team duly switched to the Vale of Glamorgan hotel near Cardiff due to the situation, which will necessitate an extra hour’s drive along the M4.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the specifics surrounding particular bookings,” stated Michael Downie, general manager at the Swansea Marriott, on Tuesday afternoon. “Large group bookings were informed of the situation and were able to make their own decision. Any suggestion that this situation is linked to the football match is completely untrue.
“We were made aware late last week of a small number of associates and guests becoming ill. As per our normal procedures, we notified large group bookings in order for them to find alternative accommodation should they choose to do so,” he added.
Questions have been asked as to why the Marriott is still taking bookings despite Southampton being warned about the situation.
However, Downie added: “As soon as we were aware that this was not one isolated case, we informed the Environmental Health organisation – the cause of the illness remains unconfirmed. There have been no further reports of illness this week and the hotel therefore remains operational.”
Southampton and Swansea, in 17th and 18th place respectively, both have 33 points and the south coast club are above their rivals on goal difference. The final round of matches in the Premier League is scheduled for Sunday.
Southampton could not be reached for comment on Tuesday afternoon.