EFL clubs are becoming 'sloppy' when it comes to following Covid protocols, reckons Oxford United boss Karl Robinson.

The U's trip to Plymouth Argyle was one of just five Sky Bet League One matches to go ahead last night, after the other seven were postponed because of coronavirus outbreaks at several sides.

The EFL has been hit hard in recent weeks, with United's visit to Bristol Rovers on December 19 and next Tuesday's scheduled match against Doncaster Rovers called off due to Covid at their opponents. 

Read also: Another Oxford United game off due to Covid

West Bromwich Albion boss Sam Allardyce last night called for a two-week 'circuit-breaker' for football, after the Premier League returned 18 positive tests last week.

Robinson believes clubs could be doing more to abide by the rules and called for the EFL to step up spot-checks at clubs.

"We all have to tighten up and I think the spot-checks need to happen more regularly," the U's head coach told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I don't think they (the postponements) are through us all doing the right things.

"I think there's certain aspects of our football clubs that may be getting a little bit sloppy.

"I can't be 100 per cent sure, but I think there are certain clubs that are doing things slightly wrong.

"I think there's some clubs using gyms inside with too many players and how we change and travel to training."

United returned two positive tests back in June, but all five Covid-related postponements this season have been due to cases at their opponents.

Read also: Oxford United boss wants tougher sanctions for Covid rule-breakers

Robinson has already called for tougher sanctions when games are called off due to teams not following the rules and believes clubs must make an extra effort to be strict.

He added: "When football first started we were all in the same boat.

"We had to be extremely strict and ensure our protocols were 100 per cent correct. 

"If we want our game to carry on we have to get back to how we were when football first returned.

"I don't think anybody's doing it on purpose.

"We all get into certain situations when we can become a little bit sloppy and take our eye off the ball - and that's me included."