It’s getting a bit monotonous talking about the possible restart or voiding of leagues, but, regarding football, there really isn’t anything else that matters.
Yes, there’s transfer gossip which should ALL be ignored. And then of course the deeper issues like, which clubs are going to survive, contracts, TV revenues and where to next?
But these all stem from the original question and that I’m afraid cannot be factually answered. It’s even dodgy to speculate! Like most, my opinion has shifted as the pandemic and its consequences remain unclear, fluid and ever-changing.
Differing perspectives create doubt, as a global stance is yet to be reached. And in reference to England, despite government getting ready to relax restrictions and open the economy this week, infection and death rates remain alarmingly high.
The message was clear from English football authorities on Friday. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Matches will only be resumed when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
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“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA [Football Association] and EFL [English Football League] and can reassure everyone that the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”
But, for me, the further down the line we go with the Premier League’s Project Restart (scheduled to kick off on June 12th at neutral venues) the more it seems like a ridiculous idea, given the possible health implications.
It’s also strange that players seem to be missing from the discussions.
Sergio Aguero spoke out the other day expressing his fear of returning, while mentioning that many of his teammates and other players are feeling the same way!
Voiding will have huge financial consequences, but surely it’s absolutely the wrong decision to put money before lives?
Look, I don’t give a sh!t whether Liverpool are awarded the title or not.
I am now strongly in favour (however much I miss football) of the route France and Holland have taken and probably others to follow, that the sensible decision is to cancel and adjust competition dates according to when it’s safe to resume.
One of the weird things that I’m having to navigate is local Liverpool fans like @MorneDenere who continuously spout k@k to me on Twitter.
I wish he (and people generally) would take note of a REAL football man, someone with proper values and morals Someone I respect so much, Jurgen Klopp.
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He said: “First and foremost, all of us have to do whatever we can to protect one another.
“In society I mean. This should be the case all the time in life, but in this moment I think it matters more than ever.
“I’ve said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things. Today, football and football matches really aren’t important at all.
“Of course, we don’t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don’t want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy - just one - we do it no questions asked.
“If it’s a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it’s no contest. Really, it isn’t.”
It’s a no-brainer, right? I mean, let’s say they start playing and a coach or player catches the virus and dies. Then what?
And what about the fans who’ll pitch up outside the stadiums like its Sea Point f***ing Promenade! My good football people, stay safe, see you next week.