EFL bosses have banned the Armed Forces from matches on Remembrance weekend.
Many teams were hoping to invite military personnel to lead the tributes before kick-offs.
EFL bosses have banned the Armed Forces from matches on Remembrance weekendCredit: Rex Features
But despite being put on standby by the Government to patrol the streets during any future lockdowns, bungling EFL execs do not believe they are safe enough to enter secure, virtually empty football stadiums.
An email sent to Championship, League One and League clubs yesterday read: “We’ve had a few queries in respect of additional activity for Remembrance fixtures.
“Due to Covid-19 restrictions and these fixtures being played behind closed doors, no additional personnel who are not attending the fixture to aid the delivery of the match should be in attendance, e.g. bugler or military personnel.
“We are suggesting however that clubs pre-record activity and this can be played out on matchday.”
Meanwhile, EFL clubs have turned down the Premier League’s offer of a £50million bail out – potentially driving League One and Two clubs to the wall.
In a move seemingly certain to spark further top flight fury, the three lower divisions branded the offer ‘conditional’ as they declined to accept the money.
The Premier League had offered £20m immediately for League One and Two with a further £30m to come, on top of the £27.2m in ‘solidarity’ payments already made, with no separate cash for the Championships.
And after a day of twists and turns as the 72 clubs met virtually in their respective divisions, the EFL said: “The need for continued unity across the membership base was fundamental to discussions across all three divisions.
“Therefore there was a strong consensus that any rescue package must meet the requirements of all 72 Clubs before it can be considered in full.
“The League has been very clear in its discussions of the financial requirements needed to address lost gate receipts.
“While EFL Clubs are appreciative that a formal proposal has now been put forward, the conditional offer of £50million falls some way short of this.
The decision caused deep anger and resentment for some Premier League clubs, who were talking of ‘pulling the plug’ altogether.
Manager Paul Fairclough talks about the England C team and its importance to the game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
