Yeah I'm no expert but someone I know had some meeting with a public health representative who said the peak is forecasted to be June/July with 80% of the population getting it at some point (from life threatening to just a mild cold depeding on the individual). If that comes true then I can't really see a period of time where they can fit in, what 6 weeks(?) worth of fixtures to finish this season, even behind closed doors.
Well yeah, if that's the case it's game over. **** knows how they sort relegation and promotion, that's the big one really. Not fair to do either if the season does end now but those in obvious top 2 positions, like West Brom and Leeds especially, will be livid.
It's not that hard to cancel and finish in August ! Then start next season without the league cup and fa cup . Reduce the amount of league games for next season and get back to normal 2021/22 season ! Just a thought . Dont really care either way
Then the likes of Pep, Jose etc. still moan about playing too many games, after forgetting completely why they were in that position!
The latest view from the chief medical officer is that we’ve got 10-14 weeks before the virus peaks here. So that’ll take the peak to June / July, and then you’ve got the downslope afterwards. I think the season will be suspended and then cancelled within weeks tbh.
Just been watching the Europy game played behind closed doors. One thing that I couldn't help noticing is how unfair this was on the home side. And now in the post-match talk they've been saying the same. Playing at home should be an advantage, a huge part due to your fans. And playing league games behind closed doors will cause the same disadvantage for those clubs playing at home. They weren't afforded the same earlier in the season when they played the same fixture away. I'm beginning to question whether this is a reasonable option for the remaining league games.
Its a ridiculous waste of time if the other games arent getting played . Its plain to see that the Italians and Spanish arent getting games played
I think the European games played this week are a complete waste of time anyway tbh. As the virtual conference convened for next Tuesday is almost certainly going to suspend the competitions, due to the already cancelled fixtures and the ever worsening situation - that now includes infected players and those in isolation.
Agree about the european cup comps but my point was specifically the PL and other domestic league games.
Can only think that they all just thought, **** it we're here now, might as well play. As on the grand scheme of things it was just a non game.
Yeh I said the same on our match thread, there's no way it's logistically possible even if they wanted to.
You’re right, but it seems we’re not going to do the - cancel the crowds stage, and are opting instead for the - wait until a few players get it, and teams can’t play due to their entire squads being in lockdown stage. Which I reckon is about a fortnight away - tops.
Aye but that's the government talking. The FA will make their own decisions as they did in City Arsenal game. I'm surprised they haven't already "postponed" Leicester's next game.
I don’t envy whoever has to ultimately make the call on suspension / cancelling of the leagues. As there’s so many conflicting agendas around within the pyramid, depending on the club, their current position, their financial status etc etc etc. Ultimately the decision should be made around what’s in the best interests of the players and staff, but I doubt that be foremost in most chairmen’s minds tbh.
Delay the Euros and then delay the league, jesus. Can we not shift things around a little? If it goes over and we run into the summer, can we not just start the next season late, scrap the Carling ****ty cup and play more games at the beginning of the season in place of that competition? Same for the lower league trophies.
That’s surely the season done isn’t it? As the entire Arsenal squad will need to self isolate for a fortnight. Mikel Arteta sacrificing himself for the greater good. Once a Blue. Always a Blue
Shame really, I'm pretty sure Ancelotti was going to say he was infected about a minute after hugging all the Livpl players at full-time on Monday.
