Is this the biggest hint yet that Sheffield United's season will be completed behind closed doors?

Sheffield United have received the clearest indication yet that games may be played behind closed doors when football eventually returns following its coronavirus suspension.
Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, has been forced to close its doors to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic: Tim Goode/PA Wire.Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, has been forced to close its doors to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic: Tim Goode/PA Wire.
Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, has been forced to close its doors to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic: Tim Goode/PA Wire.

Although the Premier League are yet to speculate publicly on what could happen when football is allowed to return, the EFL’s chairman Rick Parry today admitted that games are likely to be played behind closed doors.

Parry also told supporters in an open letter that matches will be streamed for supporters, via the EFL’s iFollow service.

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Although the Premier League’s plans could still differ from that of the EFL, the latter’s stance gives the clearest indication so far that, when football returns, it will be in front of empty stadia.

“Your contribution to the matchday experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted,” Parry told fans in his letter.

“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.

“And whilst we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.

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“Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services. We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.”

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