Italy has matches cancelled and others played behind closed doors due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Whilst theres no suggestion of anything I've read anywhere that suggests the UK is heading the same way with Coronavirus, or that the country would react the same way - I can't imagine matches cancelled and perhaps the season abandoned or matches behind closed doors. Off the top of my head I dont believe Crawley have ever played (competition not friendly) matches behind closed doors.
It’s conceivable that sport could close down in a few weeks if the virus spreads, don’t think this is scare mongering to say that as it will be a sensible move to protect those in the high risk groups, some of whom alas will be our fans
It’s conceivable that sport could close down in a few weeks if the virus spreads, don’t think this is scare mongering to say that as it will be a sensible move to protect those in the high risk groups, some of whom alas will be our fans
Regretfully i dont think theres anything to hold it back. The governments answer to several million self-employed to wait 5 weeks for universal credit will no doubt mean many will have no choice but to carry on working. We dont have the same dictatorship ruling countries that have been initially struck by the virus have; meaning our 'freedom' of movement makes containing harder to achive. It may mean larger football matches played behind closed doors but as for some there are losses in this situation, others may gain. Not unimaginable to see for instance non league attendances climb. Oakwood, pease pottage or three bridges anyone? We might appreciate (no disrespect intended to the aforementioned clubs) league 2 all the more if everyone had a taste of football further down the pyramid. I suppose the club could beam matches live over the internet, that might keep RRR 'happy'. Im not an armchair fan so Id be dissapointed to miss screaming and shouting for Crawley, we may though, just be in uncharted territory.
Not unimaginable to see for instance non league attendances climb. Oakwood, pease pottage or three bridges anyone? We might appreciate (no disrespect intended to the aforementioned clubs) league 2 all the more if everyone had a taste of football further down the pyramid.
It would come about 8 years too late for Pease Pottage, I think they went bust in 2012.
But actually there is good football to be found in Isthmian League and below.
Not unimaginable to see for instance non league attendances climb. Oakwood, pease pottage or three bridges anyone? We might appreciate (no disrespect intended to the aforementioned clubs) league 2 all the more if everyone had a taste of football further down the pyramid.
It would come about 8 years too late for Pease Pottage, I think they went bust in 2012.
But actually there is good football to be found in Isthmian League and below.
Yes thanks for the correction there and I agree Ive seen many a good non-league match over the years, highlighted of course at Tamworth all those years ago!
What the government needs to ensure is if matches are beemed live they are on non fee paying channels and/or over the internet. I hate to think broadcasters make huge profits out of this and yes it might mean the government having to help finance this then so be it. But also matches further down the pyramid also attract large crowds particularly in the championship.
The above link references if the premier league gets cancelled what happens. If it does I can particularly see this ending up in the courts with teams unhappy with the outcome.
I read a recommendation somewhere (not about sporting events) to ensure people are at least 1 metre apart. If people at the Broadfield were to spread out, we might be able to manage that. Seriously, a lot of clubs could go under - and other businesses too.
I read a recommendation somewhere (not about sporting events) to ensure people are at least 1 metre apart. If people at the Broadfield were to spread out, we might be able to manage that. Seriously, a lot of clubs could go under - and other businesses too.
Yes smaller clubs will definately suffer. Thats where I would like to see the government help and football authorities temp redistribute more of the lions share of money to the lower leagues.
"what is to stop fans coming to the grounds anyway and standing outside while the matches take place? After all, fan parks at major tournaments are often made up of people who have gone to host cities even though they are not actually getting in to see any football."
"Would Sky and BT make their games available free-to-air in an effort to discourage supporters from going to stadiums? In addition, would the ban on broadcasting fixtures at 15:00 be lifted temporarily so matches could be seen whenever they are played? There has also been a suggestion fixtures may not be broadcast in pubs and bars to try to limit the numbers watching games in one place."
Are we just a matter of days not weeks from a complete shut down of fans attending premier league matches, with them being played behind closed doors and then a ripple affect down the league structure?