'Null and void" - Sheffield United's incredible season would be written off amid coronavirus outbreak if it was up to this Premier League club boss

Football’s suspension due to the threat of coronavirus has brought out many, many opinions on how the remainder of the season should pan out.
By Chris Holt
Published 14th Mar 2020, 12:37 BST
Updated 14th Mar 2020, 13:33 BST
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As things stand the Premier League and the EFL have been postponed until at least April 3, but there is no definitive answer as to whether games will actually take place beyond that date.

Government advice given on Thursday stated that sporting events could go ahead as planned despite the ongoing threat of the spread of the virus, but the Premier League’s hand was forced that night when it was revealed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi had contracted Covid-19.

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A meeting was called by both authorities on Friday morning where they each took the decision to suspend matches until early next month.

A Sheffied United supporter wears a mask to protect against coronavirus at the recent match agaisnt Norwich City.A Sheffied United supporter wears a mask to protect against coronavirus at the recent match agaisnt Norwich City.
A Sheffied United supporter wears a mask to protect against coronavirus at the recent match agaisnt Norwich City.

It appears likely that the season will overrun if teams do reconvene but with that lack of clarity in mind, West Ham vice chairman Karren Brady says the season should be written off now and declared ‘null and void’.

Brady, who is married to former Sheffield United striker Paul Peschisolido, says it is the only reasonable thing to do.

The views are sure to rankle with Blades fans who have this season witnessed their team perform superbly in their first seaosn back in the top flight and they are currently well in the frame for a European place, whether that be in the Champions League or the Europa League.

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"There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL as well as the Premier League will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can’t play the games can’t go ahead,” she wrote in a national publication.

West Ham United fans hold up banners in protest against co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Peter Byrne/PA Wire.West Ham United fans hold up banners in protest against co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
West Ham United fans hold up banners in protest against co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

"The PL hopes that an interlude of three weeks from will enable it to restart but that may well be dreamland.

"Perhaps scrubbing the European Championship could provide more time to complete the season into the summer but that is also a giant ‘if’.

"What if the league cannot be finished?

"As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected, the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void.”

Related topics:Premier LeagueEFLMikel ArtetaCallum Hudson-OdoiWest Ham