I was on the verge of starting an argument between my sons on Monday, just to get a punch-up going.
I’m gagging for a bit of sport, let alone football!
These are difficult times and while we are in it, the importance of sport and football in our lives becomes so apparent.
But, of course, there are much bigger issues to be thinking about.
While I have been preaching a “no panic” narrative, there’s no doubt the coronavirus is posing a major threat to all of us.
Thankfully, politics aside, we have a government that is taking this seriously.
We have been far quicker to act than the majority of countries who are now feeling the weight of fast increasing infection and mortality rates. It is, however, in our hands - us, the public.
If we all stick to the unfolding advice and restrictive measures, it’ll pass. And hopefully we’ll be relatively unscathed by the time it is contained.
The worry, of course, is the virus hitting densely- populated areas that have been overlooked for decades with regard to basic amenities, most strikingly, medical facilities.
As for the Beautiful Game well, where to next?
And more precisely, for the purpose of this column, what’s going to happen in England? Despite countless meetings between the FA, the Premier League, Uefa and Fifa, we’re still nowhere closer to knowing what the “end game” looks like, despite the optimistic plan to restart the Premier League on the June 1 (behind closed doors).
BUNGLING IDIOT: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: Ian Volger.
The dithering of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has created an environment that is seeing the coronavirus enjoy exponential growth.
The “peak” hasn’t been reached and efforts to curb the rise in infections are becoming increasingly difficult. So, precise planning is impossible.
Last week I suggested that I was in favour of cancelling this year’s Euros and waiting until containment to commence and finish the league.
However, with the situation so fluid, within a week that doesn’t seem like a viable solution, given the rapid rise in infection rates.
Today, I’d go along with the following:
1. The Premier League and domestic cup competitions are cancelled. There are no champions and no relegations.
2. The top two of the Championship are promoted to the Premier League, making a 22-team league next season. The same would then apply to the lower divisions.
SEASONS SAVED: Chelsea and Manchester United. Picture: AP.
This would alleviate all the question marks regarding next season, player fitness, transfer window.
Let’s face it, Liverpool were miles ahead of everyone this season.
Despite losing four of their last five games, you’d be a fool to think they weren’t gonna win it. Despite that, I’m sure Scousers will agree, an unfinished league would never truly feel (or be recognised) as genuine if they were crowned.
It ain’t gonna happen that way.
It’ll be one of the bitterest pills Liverpool fans would ever had to swallow if it’s cancelled, but of course the priority here has to be health.
Good people, don’t panic, follow the simple advice, it’ll pass.