Atletico laid low by food bug

ATLETICO Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Real Zaragoza last night was called off with 14 Atletico players laid low by food poisoning.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had no option but to postpone the game.

Atletico’s club doctor Jose Maria Villalon made the announcement, accompanied by RFEF spokesman Fernando Carretero and RFEF Head of Medical Services Enrique Gonzalez Ruano.

“During the night, when the players returned to their rooms after dinner, some of them started to notice the first symptoms,” said Villalon.

“During the next few days it will be necessary to assess the progress of each of them and consider if they can play against Valencia on Sunday.”

Villalon added samples have been taken to determine the precise cause of the illness.

Spanish sports daily Marca’s website, based in Madrid, reports 14 players and one Atletico coach are suffering from the illness.