Plans are being put in place to stage Premier League matches behind closed doors “within weeks,” according to Sky News.
The news channel claims Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has been locked in discussions with the FA, Premier League and EFL about the potential for games to be played.
Talks are also ongoing with Public Health England with certain assurances needed about how and when football can be resumed. City fans on Twitter don’t think football should return without full stadiums:
What a joke
— Joanne Griffiths (@JoanneGriffit12) April 25, 2020
Meanwhile, the Dutch have annulled their football season. It never happened…
— Country Boy (@poynton_j) April 25, 2020
Top flight football out of touch with reality in so many ways. Joke.
— Marcus (@Marcus72219694) April 25, 2020
Please god no. It really isn't worth the risk.
Players, club staff, officials, TV and media employees all put at risk, just to satisfy the FA, Sky and BT contracts!!— Damian Cummings (@DamianCummings) April 25, 2020
If there is still a lockdown and social distancing surely this cannot happen 22 players on a pitch touching each other as well as the whole benches etc
— Don (@don24786) April 25, 2020
No no no, just quit the competition!
— Lucas ⚡️ (@ohhluc) April 25, 2020
No chance
— Mohad (@mohamedamiin2) April 25, 2020
Hope refunds are on the way
— Wayne Parish (@Newhayparis) April 25, 2020
It is believed the government want to have football back on the TV screens as soon as possible to increase morale, but there are numerous logistical challenges to overcome as well.
Even behind closed doors, 200-300 people are needed to be at each game, and without social distancing rules being relaxed, it does seem exceptions will have to be made, with tests needed before anyone enters the venues.
Of course, having football with no fans is not ideal, and there will be many that feel the game is being sacrificed for money.