Sheffield United suspected match would be postponed

Sheffield United and the Saudi Future Falcons held talks about postponing next week’s prestigious friendly at Bramall Lane long before Tuesday’s announcement it had fallen victim to the coronavirus outbreak, The Star understands.

By James Shield

Published 11th Mar 2020, 11:44 BST

Updated 11th Mar 2020, 15:55 BST

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Representatives of United and their counterparts at the Saudi Football Federation resigned themselves to rescheduling the fixture over the weekend, it has emerged, when Spain’s governing body announced it was considering the possibility of playing La Liga matches behind closed doors as part of measures designed to limit the contagion.

The Falcons, a squad composed of the best young players from the Middle Eastern kingdom’s Pro League, are based in Tarragona, Catalonia.

United confirmed the fixture, which had been set to take place on March 17, had been called-off as part of measures to try and combat Covid-19.

Stadium tours have also been cancelled although tickets for games, including the FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, remain on sale.

Representatives Bramall Lane Spain Arsenal Covid-19