GARY NEVILLE has called on football chiefs to delay the Premier League season rather than play games behind closed doors because of coronavirus.
The Manchester United legend took to Twitter to share his controversial stance with his 4.2million followers.
Gary Neville has called for the Premier League season to be delayed if coronavirus causes games to be played behind closed doorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He wrote: “I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors.
“If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.”
The spread of the deadly disease has already seen all sporting events in Italy – including Serie A – suspended until April 3.
Eddie Hearn also had to cancel a boxing show in Verona, northern Italy because of the outbreak.
And Wolves discovered yesterday they will be forced to play their Europa League last 16 tie at Olympiacos behind closed doors after the Greek government issued a suspension.
SunSport also revealed yesterday Premier League chiefs do not intend to let extra TV games be broadcast for nothing if the coronavirus forces fan-free football.
Sports bodies, including the FA and PL, were told to confirm their contingency plans are in place for behind closed doors events.
Prem clubs are now preparing to enforce a Government-ordered shut-out from as soon as next week.
It means the 3pm “blackout” that prevents Saturday afternoon games from being shown on TV to avoid impacting gates could be temporarily lifted – if the Government demands it happens.
But that will not mean matches being made available for fans to watch for free.
Instead, it is understood that League bosses will work with their main broadcast partners, Sky and BT Sport, to ensure that matches are available for supporters – but only on their current subscription services.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
