How coronavirus meeting could impact Sheffield United and their fans as Premier League consider drastic measures

Sports authorities, broadcasters and the Government will meet today to discuss contingency plans in case coronavirus spreads further.
How coronavirus meeting could impact Sheffield United and their fans as Premier League consider drastic measuresHow coronavirus meeting could impact Sheffield United and their fans as Premier League consider drastic measures
How coronavirus meeting could impact Sheffield United and their fans as Premier League consider drastic measures

The meeting could have a major impact on Blades fans. Here, we take a look at the current situation and what could happen as a result of today’s meeting.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS THE DISEASE?

There have been more than 90,000 cases of the virus in 87 countries. Three people have died in the UK.

WHAT MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN?

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The Premier League and EFL have ditched pre-match handshakes between both teams and officials until further notice because of fears over the spread of coronavirus.

Individual clubs are also taking their own measures with reports suggesting Premier League champions-elect Liverpool commissioned a deep clean of all areas used by the players.

The Reds also prevented James Milner, who was man of the match against Bournemouth, from collecting his award, with corporate guests informed that it could put the vice-captain at increased risk.

COULD GAMES BE PLAYED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?

Yes. At some point that scenario is likely.

Indeed, national media outlets are reporting that the Premier League is prepared for the possibility that Public Health England will advise that some fixtures will have to be played behind closed doors

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This has been the case in other European leagues like Italy and Morocco. Juventus vs Inter Milan in Serie A was played without any fans in attendance last night.

WHAT ARE MANAGERS SAYING ABOUT THE SITUATION?

Steve Bruce has suggested it’s ‘inevitable’ that some games will be played behind closed doors

“They’re doing it now in Italy and it’s something we’re probably going to face.

“We all know football is a way out for everybody, but people’s lives are at stake and we’re going to have to be guided by the authorities.

“It’s starting to look inevitable.”

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Bruce’s Newcastle host Sheffield United on Saturday at St James’s Park.

WHAT OTHER MEASURES ARE BEING CONSIDERED?

A possible ban on over-70s entering football stadiums is also likely to be considered.

That demographic is considered to be at highest risk from the spread of ‘COVID-19’.

However, such a ban may affect former England and current Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who is 72.