Could they void the PL due to the Coronavirus? | No | Resuming June 17th

[sewey89]

Let's be wildly optimistic and say the virus is gone and it's safe to resume normal activity on the 2nd May. (It won't, I know this. But for arguments sake..)

Players will have then not played or trained properly for 7ish weeks. They're going to need at least 3-4 weeks training, or a pre season, to get back to match fitness?

That takes us to the start of june.

If we're then wanting to resume the season in August.. How the feck are they fitting this many games in?

It's a non starter. Even behind closed doors, you're looking at over a hundred people there. And as I say, that is being wildly optimistic

 

[Thisistheone]

The Liverpool media and fans are making a good go of topping the Suarez-Evra episode. Didn't think they could stoop lower but they're giving it a good go.

 

[DoubleDinhos]

I'm finding some of the self-righteousness about Liverpool fans a bit disingenuous really. There's a leap from "this thing is more important than football" to "void the season" no matter how much people pretend there isn't.

We all know this thing is more important than football currently, yet we're all still discussing football in our everyday lives for some reason.

 

[Redcy]

We'll need confidence that covid 19 is under control in the next few weeks to allow BCD games to start. That doesn't mean players will be free of it, just that there will be a vaccine/cure already in circulation which raises positivity around Europe that it's no longer more deadly than the flu (as is the feeling at the moment).

Time for Liverpool fans that became crack lawyers in linguistics during the Suarez Saga to become pharmacy and distribution experts.

Come on, let's be 'aving ya, Avigan!

I have no idea where you get the idea we will have a vaccine soon. All the estimates for this are months, not 18, but certainly 3-4 for a tested version, and then we have to ramp up production. This is not a simple fix. Assuming best case we are talking about 4 months before anyone starts to receive a vaccine, which would be incredibly risky (normally testing takes way longer but they are shortening it). Those first batches are coming nowhere near you unless you are old, young or vulnerable for some reason. I would guess we are talking 6 months for a general population one.

There isn't a single utd fan that would suggest the season should be null and void if they were top of the league, 25 points clear with 9 games. Anyone who suggests otherwise are simply talking rubbish and are deceiving themselves. It's that simple. Cut the crap and say it how it is. You want it null and void to stop Liverpool from winning the league.

When everyone puts their self interest to one side, do you honestly not think it would be more sensible to complete the current season before starting a new one when especially when there is absolutely no guarantee that next season would be finished either? Non of you and I include myself in this have clue when the 2020/2021 season will start. Imagine having two cancelled seasons. There is every chance there could be another outbreak. For the integrity of the sport the current season needs to be resumed and completed and the logistics about next season can be dealt with later.

The state of this post, talks about self interest and has no idea that United fans benefit from finishing the season, maybe more so than anyone but Liverpool, but most of us realise that the sanest thing to do is to cancel it if it can't restart by June. Yes there is the laughing at Liverpool factor, but most of were resigned to Liverpool being the best team, the fact that you want to put people at risk, you want to potentially destroy multiple years of football, affect lower league clubs all in the pursuit of giving you one more trophy is what makes the whole thing frankly absurd.

 

[Rado_N]

I haven’t clicked on the football filter at the top of the home page for a little while, and having just done so I wondered how the hell this thread was still active.

Having read the last few pages I see it’s still the same shit going round in circles as a few weeks ago.

I did, however, enjoy the irony of the scouser telling everyone to put self interest aside and then saying the integrity of the sport relies on finishing the season.

Football doesn’t matter right now, but the cold reality of the situation is that the season just can’t be completed, it’s not feasible.

 

[DoubleDinhos]

I think I'd accept voiding if it was a proper commitment. Which is, you void this season and next and start again August 2021. If you do that you've established the importance of the football calender, you've given teams to re-adjust, to properly make transfers and pick themselves back up. You also sort out the problem of having to cut out cups and avoid messing up European qualification.

But voiding this season, starting next season in October or something and having a wonky schedule after months make no sense. If we do it, do it right, clean slate in August 2021, using the Euros as a way to reintroduce the sport and giving everyone time to recover. Voiding is serious and I still think it should be avoided but no half measures if you do do that.

 

[Redcy]

I think I'd accept voiding if it was a proper commitment. Which is, you void this season and next and start again August 2021. If you do that you've established the importance of the football calender, you've given teams to re-adjust, to properly make transfers and pick themselves back up. You also sort out the problem of having to cut out cups and avoid messing up European qualification.

But voiding this season, starting next season in October or something and having a wonky schedule after months make no sense. If we do it, do it right, clean slate in August 2021, using the Euros as a way to reintroduce the sport and giving everyone time to recover. Voiding is serious and I still think it should be avoided but no half measures if you do do that.

Actually sensible point from a liverpool fan, I agree I think however why they are holding off is to see if it can restart, a bit like we have been doing with our swimming club. we have left it until as late as possible to close things off. I agree though lets nothve wonky starts if possible, but I think noone can tell if we can start by August just from a pandemic point ofview.

 

[Dumbstar]

I have no idea where you get the idea we will have a vaccine soon. All the estimates for this are months, not 18, but certainly 3-4 for a tested version, and then we have to ramp up production. This is not a simple fix. Assuming best case we are talking about 4 months before anyone starts to receive a vaccine, which would be incredibly risky (normally testing takes way longer but they are shortening it). Those first batches are coming nowhere near you unless you are old, young or vulnerable for some reason. I would guess we are talking 6 months for a general population one.



The state of this post, talks about self interest and has no idea that United fans benefit from finishing the season, maybe more so than anyone but Liverpool, but most of us realise that the sanest thing to do is to cancel it if it can't restart by June. Yes there is the laughing at Liverpool factor, but most of were resigned to Liverpool being the best team, the fact that you want to put people at risk, you want to potentially destroy multiple years of football, affect lower league clubs all in the pursuit of giving you one more trophy is what makes the whole thing frankly absurd.

It's not the distribution of the vaccine to every single infected person around the world. We're not talking about the end game, that will as you say come later. It's the knowledge now that there are vaccines and the zombie apocalypse won't happen.

The vulnerable can remain isolated until then but the rest of the world can go about it's business carrying or not carrying this new virus that could potentially kill the elderly. Just like influenza is already doing to thousands.

 

[Andersonson]

Wouldn't a void season be terrible for us? No chance of CL football...

 

[Yik]

I think players will have to take the risk of contracting it sooner or later. With their age group, it shouldn't be statistically likely that any player could possibly be fatally infected. Probably a similar level of risk to having a heart problem and collapsing on the field of play. And theres always the risk of career ending leg breaks etc as well.

Obviously they risk infecting others and their own families so for now it isn't worth them taking the risk. However at some point, I imagine the players will be willing to take the risk otherwise they'll be at risk of losing their incomes. Maybe some sort of protocol could be arranged to have periodic tests or possible have the players living together ala World Cups/Euros.

 

[Greck]

I think players will have to take the risk of contracting it sooner or later. With their age group, it shouldn't be statistically likely that any player could possibly be fatally infected. Probably a similar level of risk to having a heart problem and collapsing on the field of play. And theres always the risk of career ending leg breaks etc as well.

Obviously they risk infecting others and their own families so for now it isn't worth them taking the risk. However at some point, I imagine the players will be willing to take the risk otherwise they'll be at risk of losing their incomes. Maybe some sort of protocol could be arranged to have periodic tests or possible have the players living together ala World Cups/Euros.

Sadly think we will all have to take the risk sooner or later. Or society would have collapsed by time the vaccine is ready

 

[BusbyMalone]

So we're going to get the decision today then. Personally i think the season will play out one way or another. Or at least, that's what clubs will want to see happen in this meeting. Was reading quotes from the Brighton chief executive who was laying it on a bit thick regarding Liverpool:

If we were to freeze the league it would be incredibly unjust for Liverpool to not be awarded the title, because everybody in the game appreciates what a fantastic season they have had

Basically the general consensus seems to be that the Premier League and the clubs want to play out the season - however long it takes. Not sure i'm a big fan of that. If they could do it a way that wouldn't have a huge impact on next season then i would be up for it. But if we're talking going into September/October, then i think that's a little ridiculous.

 

[Dumbstar]

Sadly think we will all have to take the risk sooner or later. Or society would have collapsed by time the vaccine is ready

Yep, and it's basically what I'm saying a couple of posts above. It's not the actual vaccine but the promise of the vaccine that restores natural order. The economy needs it, pronto.

 

[Greck]

So we're going to get the decision today then. Personally i think the season will play out one way or another. Or at least, that's what clubs will want to see happen in this meeting. Was reading quotes from the Brighton chief executive who was laying it on a bit thick regarding Liverpool:



Basically the general consensus seems to be that the Premier League and the clubs want to play out the season - however long it takes. Not sure i'm a big fan of that. If they could do it a way that wouldn't have a huge impact on next season then i would be up for it. But if we're talking going into September/October, then i think that's a little ridiculous.

The personalities constantly using Liverpool as a front for justice are getting annoying because we all know their interest in finishing the season is about the money. We all understand money is necessary, they don't have to lie about it

 

[Dancfc]

I think I'd accept voiding if it was a proper commitment. Which is, you void this season and next and start again August 2021. If you do that you've established the importance of the football calender, you've given teams to re-adjust, to properly make transfers and pick themselves back up. You also sort out the problem of having to cut out cups and avoid messing up European qualification.

But voiding this season, starting next season in October or something and having a wonky schedule after months make no sense. If we do it, do it right, clean slate in August 2021, using the Euros as a way to reintroduce the sport and giving everyone time to recover. Voiding is serious and I still think it should be avoided but no half measures if you do do that.

An option if it came to it could be to call off next season, play the rest of this whenever it's safe and to fill the time before 21/22 (if there is time that needs filling) create a one off tournament FIFA style with the winner getting CL on its return or something.

There's almost certainly some financial implications I'm not factoring in but thinking purely the football side of things that's possibly the best option if this keeps dragging on.

 

[Yik]

Sadly think we will all have to take the risk sooner or later. Or society would have collapsed by time the vaccine is ready

At this time a lot of athletes and sports related folk have had it, NBA players, etc, to my knowledge, and other than a Spanish coach who sadly had undiagnosed leukemia as well, there have been no severe cases and certainly no fatalities.

Makes sense to wait out a few months until the summer but tough decisions will have to be made by the players I think. Playing behind closed doors makes a lot of sense for the foreseeable future. Certainly as a morale booster to the rest of society. I just feel if sports collectively decided to wait it out along with the rest of society for an unknown number of months it would be very grim.

 

[BeforeKeanetherewasRobson]

Let's be wildly optimistic and say the virus is gone and it's safe to resume normal activity on the 2nd May. (It won't, I know this. But for arguments sake..)

Players will have then not played or trained properly for 7ish weeks. They're going to need at least 3-4 weeks training, or a pre season, to get back to match fitness?

That takes us to the start of june.

If we're then wanting to resume the season in August.. How the feck are they fitting this many games in?

It's a non starter. Even behind closed doors, you're looking at over a hundred people there. And as I say, that is being wildly optimistic

I've got no idea what will happen. I could see how national leagues could be completed (start June, play every third day so done by early July) BUT how do you fit in FA Cup and European ties?

Maybe bin F A Cup (boo!), complete national leagues and THEN complete European comps with both legs in same week. That would see some clubs going into August though and impact on next season/recovery time.

Why would they agree to that knowing that there's no scope next season to catch up as Euros now June 21 and will need next season's national leagues to be done by May 21.

I think it could be done but would need virus "done" by May (can't see it), some comps binned/made quicker and lots more games per week. Huge disadvantage to some teams, loss of income for some, player fatigue (play from June 20 to May 22 if in Euros).

As much as there'll be pressure to complete league seasons, can't see how they can give definitive plan today and there will be clear winners and losers from any changes... why agree if you're a likely loser?

 

[Redcy]

An option if it came to it could be to call off next season, play the rest of this whenever it's safe and to fill the time before 21/22 (if there is time that needs filling) create a one off tournament FIFA style with the winner getting CL on its return or something.

There's almost certainly some financial implications I'm not factoring in but thinking purely the football side of things that's possibly the best option if this keeps dragging on.

Clubs won't survive a season of no income. Its not just about the rich PL who even then would struggle, but you have thousands of players, coaches, staff, etc. This is why the suggestion of half seasons, etc, make zero sense.

 

[Redcy]

Wouldn't a void season be terrible for us? No chance of CL football...

It wouldn't be great no, but this is what Liverpool fans don't get. Its what happens when you focus on solely whats good for you.

 

[Redcy]

It's not the distribution of the vaccine to every single infected person around the world. We're not talking about the end game, that will as you say come later. It's the knowledge now that there are vaccines and the zombie apocalypse won't happen.

The vulnerable can remain isolated until then but the rest of the world can go about it's business carrying or not carrying this new virus that could potentially kill the elderly. Just like influenza is already doing to thousands.

You stated a vaccine cure will be in circulation in the next few weeks. It won't, its going to be 3 months before it even gets out. Simply having a vaccine in the works does not change the fact that people are risking other people by ignoring advice to restrict social interactions. I am sure there will be a point when players can make the decision to risk it, but its months away, probably once the vaccine can be distributed to high risk people. Simply stating that we should finish this season at all costs and feck next season is not what the clubs will vote for. They can championship clubs cannot survive a season where they have half the number of games. whilst yes it is true that this could happen again in the winter the sensible answer has to be to try and minimise the effect on wider groups.

Frankly if it helps the scousers get over it, give them this years PL I really have no care, everyone else is null and void it stays as is. It clearly means that much to the scouse mafia that they get there 19th PL, let everybody see it for what it is. The rest of us will get on with trying to ensure all the clubs, players, and leagues are able to survive another season.

 

[FootballHQ]

At this time a lot of athletes and sports related folk have had it, NBA players, etc, to my knowledge, and other than a Spanish coach who sadly had undiagnosed leukemia as well, there have been no severe cases and certainly no fatalities.

Makes sense to wait out a few months until the summer but tough decisions will have to be made by the players I think. Playing behind closed doors makes a lot of sense for the foreseeable future. Certainly as a morale booster to the rest of society. I just feel if sports collectively decided to wait it out along with the rest of society for an unknown number of months it would be very grim.

Will surely have to wait for the peak though, that may not happen until June so perhaps July start and get season done (at least the leagues by Mid August).

Peterborough owner was on TS an hour ago. Was saying the same thing, eventually we will have to get back to some reduced form of normality and clearly sport plays a massive part in many people's lives.

Of course the problem is football resumes for a bit and then winter hits and we're into the unknown again with the virus.

 

[OleBoiii]

It wouldn't be great no, but this is what Liverpool fans don't get. Its what happens when you focus on solely whats good for you.

A lot of teams would suffer, but Liverpool fans will only focus on themselves yes. Leicester would have gotten CL football. We, Sheffield and Wolves had a good chance of getting CL football. Several other teams had a good chance of getting EL football at least.

 

[Andersonson]

It wouldn't be great no, but this is what Liverpool fans don't get. Its what happens when you focus on solely whats good for you.

I dont care about Liverpool fans. I care about us.

If they win the league, fine, we need to get better to knock them down again.

Us playing in the europa league again would be a set back. And I care more about that than Liverpool wining the league.

 

[Dumbstar]

You stated a vaccine cure will be in circulation in the next few weeks. It won't, its going to be 3 months before it even gets out. Simply having a vaccine in the works does not change the fact that people are risking other people by ignoring advice to restrict social interactions. I am sure there will be a point when players can make the decision to risk it, but its months away, probably once the vaccine can be distributed to high risk people. Simply stating that we should finish this season at all costs and feck next season is not what the clubs will vote for. They can championship clubs cannot survive a season where they have half the number of games. whilst yes it is true that this could happen again in the winter the sensible answer has to be to try and minimise the effect on wider groups.

Frankly if it helps the scousers get over it, give them this years PL I really have no care, everyone else is null and void it stays as is. It clearly means that much to the scouse mafia that they get there 19th PL, let everybody see it for what it is. The rest of us will get on with trying to ensure all the clubs, players, and leagues are able to survive another season.

As much as it doesn't sound like it I do have more pressing concerns. For example I was meant to start a new job in April and that's been pushed back to July. Why? Because the economy is in a minor collapse and will soon be in a major one if people don't 'get back out there'. Luckily my current place, also struggling, have been willing to extend my resignation period. A lot of other people are not so lucky. I mean a lot. They need this promise of a vaccine more than, as you put it, scousers.

And if getting football games restarted between largely fit, unaffected populace (footballers) is the first step then I'm all for it.

 

[thegregster]

The UK will not now provide emergency service support for large events. That pretty much means no professional sport, as medical cover and particularly ambulances will not be available. I don't think there's much chance of this changing this side of July, and it could easily drag on well beyond that.

 

[Redcy]

As much as it doesn't sound like it I do have more pressing concerns. For example I was meant to start a new job in April and that's been pushed back to July. Why? Because the economy is in a minor collapse and will soon be in a major one if people don't 'get back out there'. Luckily my current place, also struggling, have been willing to extend my resignation period. A lot of other people are not so lucky. I mean a lot. They need this promise of a vaccine more than, as you put it, scousers.

And if getting football games restarted between largely fit, unaffected populace (footballers) is the first step then I'm all for it.

Fundamentally I don't disagree with you, once we have a vaccine for the most vulnerable we can probably restore some normality. I think where we differ is in that you think that means we start this season again at any cost. I don't think its the sensible option, despite the fact it is better for Manchester United. I maybe have my own buy in, my partner works with vulnerable and old people, people who are suffering right now. We are already putting ourselves at risk to ensure these people stay well (in all senses). I don't want to see people rushing back to things before everything is ready, we will get hit a second time if we feck it up, and all the studies show a second wave can be worse.

 

[Strelok]

I think players will have to take the risk of contracting it sooner or later. With their age group, it shouldn't be statistically likely that any player could possibly be fatally infected. Probably a similar level of risk to having a heart problem and collapsing on the field of play. And theres always the risk of career ending leg breaks etc as well.

Obviously they risk infecting others and their own families so for now it isn't worth them taking the risk. However at some point, I imagine the players will be willing to take the risk otherwise they'll be at risk of losing their incomes.

Maybe the ones at the lower leagues but not the big ones in the PL imo. They're rich as feck and probably already have enough money to live the rest of their life without worrying about money. Players like Pogba, KDB etc. for example. Imo even one or two year without income is not gonna force them to risk their own live, the lives of their closed ones or their career. And they're still getting paid millions according to their contracts even without playing. Why they'd take the risk?

Maybe some sort of protocol could be arranged to have periodic tests or possible have the players living together ala World Cups/Euros.

Atm there is no test with 100 % accuracy and the idea of matches BCD is just not feasible without such I think.

 

[Finn MacCool]

A Dutch radio presenter has suggested that Europe’s radio stations should all play “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at 8.45am CET tomorrow to show solidarity in the fight against covid-19.

So far, many radio stations in The Netherlands (NPO Radio 1, NPO Radio 2, NPO 3FM, NPO Radio 4, NPO Radio 5, 100%NL, Radio 10, Veronica and others), along with BBC Radio One and BBC Radio 2 in the UK along stations in Luxembourg (Radio 100,7), Germany (WDR 4, SWR3, RBB), Austria (ORF Austria, OE3), Belgium (Stubru, Radio 1, Radio 2, Joe, Willy, Q-music, Klara, Nostalgie, NRJ, MNM), Estonia(Radio 2), Bulgaria (Bulgarian National Radio), Finland (Yle Vega, Yle X3M),Latvia (Latvijas Radio), Slovakia (Radio and Television Slovakia), Romania (Radio Romania) and Spain (Radio Nacional de España) have all said they will support the initiative.

 

[BusbyMalone]

Knew they would insist on playing the league out

 

[Samid]

 

[Finn MacCool]

English football suspended until at least April 30. The normal latest finishing date of June 1st has been extended indefinitely for season 19/20.

 

[Tarrou]

You stated a vaccine cure will be in circulation in the next few weeks. It won't, its going to be 3 months before it even gets out. Simply having a vaccine in the works does not change the fact that people are risking other people by ignoring advice to restrict social interactions. I am sure there will be a point when players can make the decision to risk it, but its months away, probably once the vaccine can be distributed to high risk people. Simply stating that we should finish this season at all costs and feck next season is not what the clubs will vote for. They can championship clubs cannot survive a season where they have half the number of games. whilst yes it is true that this could happen again in the winter the sensible answer has to be to try and minimise the effect on wider groups.

Frankly if it helps the scousers get over it, give them this years PL I really have no care, everyone else is null and void it stays as is. It clearly means that much to the scouse mafia that they get there 19th PL, let everybody see it for what it is. The rest of us will get on with trying to ensure all the clubs, players, and leagues are able to survive another season.

where did you get 3 months from?

we won't have a vaccine by then surely?

 

[FireballXL5]

A Dutch radio presenter has suggested that Europe’s radio stations should all play “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at 8.45am CET tomorrow to show solidarity in the fight against covid-19.

So far, many radio stations in The Netherlands (NPO Radio 1, NPO Radio 2, NPO 3FM, NPO Radio 4, NPO Radio 5, 100%NL, Radio 10, Veronica and others), along with BBC Radio One and BBC Radio 2 in the UK along stations in Luxembourg (Radio 100,7), Germany (WDR 4, SWR3, RBB), Austria (ORF Austria, OE3), Belgium (Stubru, Radio 1, Radio 2, Joe, Willy, Q-music, Klara, Nostalgie, NRJ, MNM), Estonia(Radio 2), Bulgaria (Bulgarian National Radio), Finland (Yle Vega, Yle X3M),Latvia (Latvijas Radio), Slovakia (Radio and Television Slovakia), Romania (Radio Romania) and Spain (Radio Nacional de España) have all said they will support the initiative.

Yes, that'll help.

 

[Tarrou]

decent statement from the FA that, pretty sensible all round

 

[El Zoido]

It’s going to completely feck up next season but I guess they don’t want to deal with the mess of voiding it.

 

[RobinLFC]

Knew they would insist on playing the league out

@Pexbo @VP89

By no means a guarantee, but like I said I think they'll try everything within their power to finish this season.

 

[Pexbo]

Quite clearly there is only one team they would pull this nonsense for

It's going to be an absolute cluster feck in terms of pre-season/contracts/transfers/schedule/BCD or crowds?

 

[RobinLFC]

Quite clearly there is only one team they would pull this nonsense for

It's going to be an absolute cluster feck in terms of pre-season/contracts/transfers/schedule/BCD or crowds?

It's ridiculous to even suggest that they're just doing this because they want Liverpool to win the league

 

[FootballHQ]

where did you get 3 months from?

we won't have a vaccine by then surely?

Vaccine is still a good year away.

Suppose in short term they'll be many more tests to see who's had the virus and more anti viral drugs will be tested to see if that lessens impact of Corona so that's really the sticky plaster method for rest of the year.

 

[Judas]

They can be desperate all they like, I can't see it happening, and it'll cost them even more and make an even bigger mess to mess up next season. If other leagues get cancelled, ours will be too.