OXFORD United have suspended two academy players over allegations the pair attended a New Year's Eve party.

The U's are investigating the breach of Covid protocols by the youngsters, one of whom plays for the Under 21s and the other for the Under 18s.

It is understood, however, that reports of senior figures at the club initially wanting the pair to be sacked are wide of the mark.

A club statement said: "Oxford United can confirm reports that two academy players are currently suspended while the club gathers all of the facts regarding an alleged breach of covid protocols.

"While the investigation is ongoing there will be no further comment from the club."

Neither player is understood to have been close to the senior players since the alleged incident.

The revelation comes on the day United's first-team squad took part in mandatory English Football League (EFL) coronavirus testing.

Karl Robinson: We will not postpone fixtures in event of positive tests

Head coach Karl Robinson is confident his side would not have to postpone fixtures in the event of positive results, due to the U's social distancing protocols.

It came after he told BBC Radio 4 last week that some clubs had become 'sloppy' when it came to following Covid rules and called for spot-checks to be stepped up.

There have been 23 Sky Bet League One games called off due to coronavirus in the last three weeks, including United's home game against Doncaster Rovers that had been scheduled for tomorrow.