West Ham United captain Mark Noble has backed the Premier League's decision to suspend matches until April 4.

The Hammers' future in the top-flight hangs in the balance as the sporting world reacts to the recent coronavirus outbreak.

And Noble insists the community's health remains the top priority.

"As much as we all want to play, it is the right decision," Noble told the club's website. "There are times when sport, as important as it is to so many people, is of secondary importance and this is just such a time.

"I am a professional footballer and I take my work very seriously, but I am the same as everyone else in that the health of my family is paramount.

"The coronavirus (COVID-19) is dominating world news and impacting on many lives. We've had a couple of meetings this week and our Rush Green training ground was made off-limits to everyone who didn't need to be there, while we have been told not to sign autographs or pose for selfies at this time.

"We've been told as players that, while we're young and fit and it shouldn't be a big worry for us, we could pass it on to more vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those with other health problems.

"It doesn't look as though this virus is going away any time soon and things are constantly changing. The players, particularly those from other countries, have been advised to limit their families' travelling and I know they been quite concerned because many have elderly relatives back home."