'The game is nothing without supporters' - Sheffield United boss Chris WIlder on football's Coronavirus threat as empty stadiums appear inevitable

The governent is believed to be close to advising the football authorities that a ban on fans in stadiums should be brought in to delay and contain the spread of Coronavirus.

A decision has not yet been made but given matches across Europe have been played behind closed doors this week, it would appear as though football in the UK will follow suit.

And Wilder says it would be disappointing if matches went ahead in empty stadia.

“I would (prefer a delay),” he said, ahead of Saturday’s match at Newcastle. “The game is nothing without supporters.

“Of course there are different parts of the game, officials, administrators, players. The biggest reason is to play in front of supporters, the buzz and excitement they bring to the game.

“We have sold out home and away through the season and we will do leading up to last Premier League games. A delay, an extension would be my prefered option. If it is behind closed doors we'll have to accept that.”

Wilder added that he believed a decision would be taken soon and feels it is inevitable that matches will be played behind closed doors.

“I think it's coming, I wouldnt be surprised, he said. “We have just got to prepare as a team. You don’t prepare to play in front of 50,000. You enjoy it you embrace it. I think something will hapen sooner rather than later.”