The Premier League are open to playing fixtures behind closed doors as they bid to complete the remainder of the 2019/20 season – so long as they are given the go-ahead from the government.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc all over the world, with sport no exception to that.
Football competitions throughout Europe have been suspended as a result, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A and La Liga.
Following a conference call on Thursday it was decided that the season would be ‘extended indefinitely.’
England’s football authorities still retain hope the season could be concluded by June 30, with pre-season then taking place in August and the new side pushed back until the beginning of September.
And according to the Telegraph they have no objections to playing games behind closed doors, as long as it’s permitted on health grounds.
Jamie O’Hara says Premier League matches should not be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus
The phrase ‘null and void’ is also a phrase that all Premier League sides have agreed to stop using, reinforcing the fact that Liverpool will, at some point in the near future, be crowned champions for the first time in 30 years.
In a joint statement after the meeting it was confirmed that: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA [League Managers Association], understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19.
“We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019-20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.”
Crystal Palace ace Andros Townsend also believes games should be played behind closed doors in a bid to finish the season.
The Palace winger told talkSPORT: “When this was first put forward a few weeks ago while we were still playing, most of us thought, ‘no we don’t want to play without fans, without the fans football is nothing’.
“But we’re in a situation now where there’s no football, and I think when we restart it’ll be a choice between no fans or no football at all.
“So if they are the two options, then of course you’ve got to play behind closed doors.
“I think we have to keep waiting and play it week-by-week and see how this virus progresses.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have promised their 3,000 plus casual staff they will receive full pay, even if their remaining home games are cancelled or played behind closed doors.”
Old Trafford is still due to host four Premier League matches this season and it is understood the payment to United’s 3,000-plus casual workers will be over £1million in total.
