Current Season Void Or Continue

[UnderSeige]

"The Premier League cannot find a fair way to restart games - so it must be voided" - Sam Quek (The Mirror)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football ... r-22006304

[UnderSeige]

""There are players who have voiced genuine concerns. You've got players who've got young children, players with pregnant partners, people with underlying health conditions.

"Some of the young black players I've spoken to have read what's in the press and want answers to that (government study). 'Am I more affected in my demographic and if so why?'

"My stance with the Premier League from day one has been it's all very well those of us in suits saying what our opinions are but we're not going to be out there on a Saturday afternoon and we're not going to be going back to our family."
Bobby Barnes - Professional Footballers Association
https://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/prem ... t-47793359

[UnderSeige]

"Top police official calls on Premier League bosses to DELAY Project Restart over coronavirus fears"

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football ... ice-worry/

[Devils_Advocate]

If they try and ruin it for everyone else, I think we should relegate all six, promote top six from the Championship. Problem solved.

Do we have to relegate all 20 clubs now they've all voted against neutral grounds and ruined it for everyone else?

[TheFamilyCat]

"The Premier League cannot find a fair way to restart games - so it must be voided" - Sam Quek (The Mirror)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football ... r-22006304

When did the PL start letting hockey players make decisions? Have they consulted Sean Kerly?

[Chester Perry]

Every Premier League club against neutral venues plan, says Richard Masters Premier League CEO.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/ ... s-18235355

https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... n-stadiums

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sport ... plans.html

because of the loss in sponsorship/advertising revenues - proportion would have to be paid back) exact % based on the number of home games left

[NewClaret]

Do we have to relegate all 20 clubs now they've all voted against neutral grounds and ruined it for everyone else?

Everyone apart from us. Don’t think we voted against it. Going to be a fairly one-sided league next year

[Devils_Advocate]

Everyone apart from us. Don’t think we voted against it. Going to be a fairly one-sided league next year

Dyche will still play for the draw even when we're the only team in the league

[NewClaret]

Dyche will still play for the draw even when we're the only team in the league

Away from home, of course. And completely understandable too

[tiger76]

because of the loss in sponsorship/advertising revenues - proportion would have to be paid back) exact % based on the number of home games left

Yes the potential loss in income.has definitely focused minds,strange that.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52579299

[Spijed]

Where would football be without a good old moan from Danny Rose?

If he became the highest paid player in the world he'd find something to moan about

https://twitter.com/standardsport/statu ... 1442729988

[Spijed]

"At the start of this, was told by someone within PL that there was no chance of the season finishing & that everything that follows will be purely an attempt to show broadcasters every avenue to complete was explored. Seen little yet to convince me that’s not what’s happening."

https://twitter.com/MikeKeegan_DM/statu ... 5710449671

[dsr]

"The Premier League cannot find a fair way to restart games - so it must be voided" - Sam Quek (The Mirror)
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football ... r-22006304

They have such a skewed view of fairness, though.

1. Brighton have to play Liverpool after Liverpool have clinched the championship and are playing the kids; West Ham had to play them when they were unbeaten and going full steam ahead. This is perfectly fair because it all evens out over the season.

2. While Brighton are playing that game v Liverpool on a neutral ground, Watford are playing their "home2 game with Leicester on a neutral ground. This is so unfair on Brighton as to make a total farce of the whole league; the league should be cancelled completely rather than allow Watford such a vast advantage.

I can't se how Mr. Quek can hold both viewpoints simulataneously. I would have thought that if Brighton and Watford have to play 14 home, 15 away, and 9 neutral ground, that's as close as we can get to fair.

I don't like this "things aren't perfect so let's give up" attitude, and I certainly don't like this "we're frightened of losing so let's not play" attitude. Especially when they are getting all the other clubs in the league to pay for it.

[Elizabeth]

Everything still up in the air, nothing has changed. What happens if the government says they are sticking with neutral grounds following medical and police advice. Then there will have to be a vote and we will finally see which way the clubs will go.

[dsr]

""There are players who have voiced genuine concerns. You've got players who've got young children, players with pregnant partners, people with underlying health conditions.

"Some of the young black players I've spoken to have read what's in the press and want answers to that (government study). 'Am I more affected in my demographic and if so why?'

"My stance with the Premier League from day one has been it's all very well those of us in suits saying what our opinions are but we're not going to be out there on a Saturday afternoon and we're not going to be going back to our family."
Bobby Barnes - Professional Footballers Association
https://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/prem ... t-47793359

I'm not sure if footballers are the only people out there with young children and pregnant wives, or family members with health conditions for that matter. But I suppose they are rich and that makes a difference - they feel entitled to let the poorer people go back to work first.

The thing that always gets me is that these reporters always leave out the line that says "obviously if we aren't playing, we don't expect to be paid". It's almost as if the press have a vendetta against the players in that they never report a player saying "I'm frightened and want to stop at home and will gladly give up my salary to be able to do so". They always give the impression the player expects to be paid for doing nothing. Why do they do that, I wonder?

[THEWELLERNUT70]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08cwvpr


Todays football daily pod cast for those interested

[TheFamilyCat]

But I suppose they are rich and that makes a difference - they feel entitled to let the poorer people go back to work first.

Hardly surprising, it does appear to be the government policy.

[Spijed]

The hurdle of players contracts ending on 30th June seems to have been resolved.

[Mala591]

If games are played behind closed doors then 'virtual' crowd chants and songs will be necessary to improve the viewing experience.

I'd love the job of switching on the chant when a team is 0-5 down "wtf is going on?"

[Devils_Advocate]

If games are played behind closed doors then 'virtual' crowd chants and songs will be necessary to improve the viewing experience.

I'd love the job of switching on the chant when a team is 0-5 down "wtf is going on?"

We'd have to bring back high speed dubbing if we wanted it to sound like the CFS

[Spijed]

UEFA also announced that the deadline of 25th May for countries to resolve their seasons could be pushed back in the case of the Prem.

[Chester Perry]

UEFA also announced that the deadline of 25th May for countries to resolve their seasons could be pushed back in the case of the Prem.

That is because English TV pays substantially more than any other for distribution rights of UEFA's club competitions.

[UnderSeige]

"Nine Prem clubs will let players skip Project Restart overs fears they will infect family vulnerable to coronavirus".
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football ... ronavirus/

This would give the other eleven an unfair advantage.

[UnderSeige]

Good summary of the situation on Talksport Website/.
https://talksport.com/football/684444/p ... overnment/
Highlights

• "UK Government’s coronavirus recovery strategy confirms no professional sport in England until June when it may return behind closed doors".

• "The Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community".

• “The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support.”

• "One option to complete the season is a World Cup-style camp".

• "The government says talks are ongoing to get Premier League football up and running as soon as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic."

• "Medics have put together a 100-point letter to the Premier League’s medical advisor Mark Gillett and director of football Richard Garlick listing potential problems with resuming the season during the coronavirus pandemic".

• "Other issues raised include approving guidelines which still carry the threat of death, liability, testing and insurance, transmission of the virus via sweat and goalkeeper gloves, an increased risk to BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) employees, and the ability of emergency services to attend training ground incidents".

• "the league unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.”

[UnderSeige]

"The Premier League is set for a decisive few days in establishing whether it is possible to resume and complete the current season - BBC"

"On Monday, Alison McGovern, the shadow sports minister, wrote to Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston asking 20 questions about "Project Restart".

"They request transparency around plans and medical protocols, health risk assessments, numbers of people allowed at games, measures if there are positive tests, personal protective equipment for medical staff, non-playing staff, referees and the media, and ticket refunds for fans."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52609797

If fans with season tickets have to pay twice for matches (season ticket and TV subscription), will season ticket prices be partially refunded? I think that it might result in a pro-rata reduction in next seasons ticket price.

[Chester Perry]

If fans with season tickets have to pay twice for matches (season ticket and TV subscription), will season ticket prices be partially refunded? I think that it might result in a pro-rata reduction in next seasons ticket price.

Already begun - Norwich and Brighton have made announcements in the last 24 hours

[UnderSeige]

"Premier League's face mask plan doomed as players complain they can't breathe" The Mirror.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football ... n-22001985

[UnderSeige]

How about disinfected footballs?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/20 ... er-league/

"Players and staff will be banned from spitting at the training ground" Telegraph.

[UnderSeige]

"WILL PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS OR MANAGERS WEAR MASKS? | MIGUEL DELANEY"

https://www.offtheball.com/sport/miguel-delaney-1013695

[Spijed]

Surely the simplest solution is to see how the Bundesliga gets on and broadly follow that template?

[UnderSeige]

Players testing positive for Coronavirus in other countries:
https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/2 ... oronavirus

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... oronavirus

Old Links
Juventus in coronavirus crisis after revealing 121 players and staff are in self-quarantine
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football ... la-rugani/

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foo ... 95986.html

[UnderSeige]

Forbes - "Here’s Why So Many NBA Players Have The Coronavirus And Why They Get Tested Without Symptoms"
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenh ... 0ac2bc2de6

[UnderSeige]

Surely the simplest solution is to see how the Bundesliga gets on and broadly follow that template?

I think that is what will happen.

[conyoviejo]

Surely the simplest solution is to see how the Bundesliga gets on and broadly follow that template?

Surely the simplest solution is not to start until it's safe to do so..

[Spijed]

Surely the simplest solution us not to start until it's safe to do so..

And that could be potentially months or years away.

[Winstonswhite]

After giving everything careful consideration over the last few weeks I’ve come to the conclusion we just need to crack on - it’ll be fine trust me.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Think we will end up finishing this season and starting the next one like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7tHkeVR1Ms

[conyoviejo]

And that could be potentially months or years away.

Football is of no importance when people's lives are at stake.. Let's get rid of this Covid as much as possible and get a vaccine first before even think about starting football.

[Chester Perry]

It could be difficult getting a Saftety certificate in London for clubs wanting to play games anytime soon - London Mayor Sadiq Khan opposes Premier League plan to restart in London from June

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba ... 38206.html

[Steve1956]

Surely the simplest solution is to see how the Bundesliga gets on and broadly follow that template?

That's the advantage we have,wait and see how it pans out in Germany

[Chester Perry]

This one is more aligned with the similar issue we have witnessed across the rest of society so far during the pandemic - an agency who represent 150 players questions the reliability of the testing kits the Premier League have procured

https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/prem ... 19-2849817

[dsr]

Football is of no importance when people's lives are at stake.. Let's get rid of this Covid as much as possible and get a vaccine first before even think about starting football.

Time limit? If there is no vaccine in 5 years, can we start thinking again?

Football is not of no importance. Of lesser importance, I dare say. But nothing is of no importance.

Yes, you can argue that football is irrelevant when people are dying. You can argue that TV is irrelevant. You can argue that family is irrelevant, that gardening is irrelevant, that any form of enjoyment is irrelevant, that seeing family is irrelevant, that everything that does not involve eating, sleeping, and above all breathing is irrelevant.

But why? 79 men under 35 have died while infected by coronavirus in this country. Most of them were seriously ill already. If a subsection of that age group are asked to play football while being tested twice a week, while everyone they come in contact is tested twice a week, how likely is it that anyone will die? One in a million chance? Less? Sitting in a darkened room for the next few years staring at the walls is not my idea of living.

[dsr]

This one is more aligned with the similar issue we have witnessed across the rest of society so far during the pandemic - an agency who represent 150 players questions the reliability of the testing kits the Premier League have procured

https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/prem ... 19-2849817

I assume what he is saying is that quite a large number of samples were for some reason insufficient for the purpose so had to be taken again. That's not the same as being faulty.

As for whether Pl players should be tested ahead of key workers - there is plenty of spare capacity. Day after day we are told that there is capacity for 100,000 tests and more and the magic number is not being reached. Players using spare capacity is not a problem.

[tiger76]

Time limit? If there is no vaccine in 5 years, can we start thinking again?

Football is not of no importance. Of lesser importance, I dare say. But nothing is of no importance.

Yes, you can argue that football is irrelevant when people are dying. You can argue that TV is irrelevant. You can argue that family is irrelevant, that gardening is irrelevant, that any form of enjoyment is irrelevant, that seeing family is irrelevant, that everything that does not involve eating, sleeping, and above all breathing is irrelevant.

But why? 79 men under 35 have died while infected by coronavirus in this country. Most of them were seriously ill already. If a subsection of that age group are asked to play football while being tested twice a week, while everyone they come in contact is tested twice a week, how likely is it that anyone will die? One in a million chance? Less? Sitting in a darkened room for the next few years staring at the walls is not my idea of living.

Exactly!if you applied this across the entertainment industry,there would be a huge impact on people's mental and physical health,far outweighing any damage covid-19 could cause,all deaths are sad,but footballers/sportspeople in general are surely in the lowest risk category,as long as sensible precautions are undertaken,i don't see why closed doors games shouldn't be possible in the coming weeks.

And it's not just the social aspect to consider,if the economy as a whole takes a nosedive,that'll mean less money for critical services like the NHS.

If you are going to wait until a vaccine is available,you might be waiting years,society can't be placed on hold indefinitely,as some scientists have already remarked,we'll just have to adapt to living with this virus for the foreseeable future.

[conyoviejo]

Time limit? If there is no vaccine in 5 years, can we start thinking again?

Football is not of no importance. Of lesser importance, I dare say. But nothing is of no importance.

Yes, you can argue that football is irrelevant when people are dying. You can argue that TV is irrelevant. You can argue that family is irrelevant, that gardening is irrelevant, that any form of enjoyment is irrelevant, that seeing family is irrelevant, that everything that does not involve eating, sleeping, and above all breathing is irrelevant.

But why? 79 men under 35 have died while infected by coronavirus in this country. Most of them were seriously ill already. If a subsection of that age group are asked to play football while being tested twice a week, while everyone they come in contact is tested twice a week, how likely is it that anyone will die? One in a million chance? Less? Sitting in a darkened room for the next few years staring at the walls is not my idea of living.

I still don't understand the absolute insistence on having to finish this season 'by June 30th' (or sometime around then). Sure I understand player contract issues could arise, but surely that could be managed with a little bit of flexibility? Given it's almost certain there will be no fans allowed in grounds until autumn, and quite possibly later, then next season is not going to be able to start 'normally' anyway, so everything is going to have to be drastically rearranged anyway regardless of what happens.

So why not just say either as soon as it's safe to do so games are restarted behind closed doors, or restarted once fans are allowed back in, even if that's 2021, and if that means playing 8 or 9 games over five or six weeks then taking a two (or three?) week break then starting the new season after that then fine. After all, the players will have had a huge break anyway, so no real difference in terms of workload. And if workload is a real worry scrap the League Cup for one season. They could also just move the transfer window accordingly if that is seen as a problem.

[dsr]

I still don't understand the absolute insistence on having to finish this season 'by June 30th' (or sometime around then). Sure I understand player contract issues could arise, but surely that could be managed with a little bit of flexibility? Given it's almost certain there will be no fans allowed in grounds until autumn, and quite possibly later, then next season is not going to be able to start 'normally' anyway, so everything is going to have to be drastically rearranged anyway regardless of what happens.

So why not just say either as soon as it's safe to do so games are restarted behind closed doors, or restarted once fans are allowed back in, even if that's 2021, and if that means playing 8 or 9 games over five or six weeks then taking a two (or three?) week break then starting the new season after that then fine. After all, the players will have had a huge break anyway, so no real difference in terms of workload. And if workload is a real worry scrap the League Cup for one season. They could also just move the transfer window accordingly if that is seen as a problem.

That would make complete sense if we had an exact timetable of when football can be played - with or without crowds. As it is, we don't, so I reckon it's a good idea to fit it in while we can.

The problem with waiting until 2021 is money. If we don't play till 2021, then someone is going to have go without. The clubs can't pay the players' wages if they have no money, so they only practical way of a break of 9 months + is for the players to say, collectively, that they don't want to play and would rather go on furlough. And that won't happen.

[Spijed]

Football is not of no importance. Of lesser importance, I dare say. But nothing is of no importance.

When people say football is just entertainment like any other sport, I think many don't grasp how interwoven it is in society. Take the game against Orient. If it was just a normal football match you wouldn't have grown men crying with relief, likewise when we beat Rovers after 34 years.

Take the Munich air disaster. Every plane crash with loss of life is a tragedy, but the significance of Man U. losing so many players is still felt by many to this day.

[Spijed]

"EXCLUSIVE: Premier League matches set to be played at their usual stadiums as police decide clubs CAN host games if they cover the cost of keeping fans out - putting football a step closer to returning"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sport ... diums.html

[Chester Perry]

I am waiting for the government to approve the Premier Leagues restart plans, then the players saying no still not playing as I don't feel safe - who will blink first on the breach of contract

Club refusing to pay player because player refuses to play
Player leaving club as club not/refusing to pay because they are refusing to play because they do not feel safe

remember it is contingent on the government's approval to play - and that almost all players are regarded as financial assets

of course fines could be instigated as well as compensation claims in both directions

I am also wondering what is happening to those players whose salary is made up with a large image rights deal

[UnderSeige]

No need to play at neutral grounds.
https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/12/project- ... -12692962/