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| Premier League and British football shuts down until April due to coronavirus – live | Premier League and British football shuts down until April due to coronavirus – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Join Ben Fisher for the latest updates as coronavirus looks set to to result in football stopping for the time being | Join Ben Fisher for the latest updates as coronavirus looks set to to result in football stopping for the time being |
| The pilot of the plane carrying the professional footballer Emiliano Sala was not licensed to fly the aircraft when it plunged into the sea, killing both of them, an official report has concluded. | |
| David Ibbotson had not completed night flying training and his private pilot’s licence did not permit him to be paid for carrying passengers, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found. | |
| The regulations under which the Piper Malibu light aircraft was operated also meant it should have not been flown commercially. Investigators found such unlicensed flights frequently took place in the world of sport, business and leisure. | |
| Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcântra has taken unkindly to the German Bundesliga’s decision to go ahead with the weekend’s fixtures. | |
| His side are due to play Union Berlin behind closed doors on Saturday, part of a full programme of games, but he responded to a tweet from the German Football League (DFL) saying: “This is crazy. Please stop fooling around and land on reality. Let’s be honest, there are much more important priorities than sport.” | |
| At odds with other European leagues, the DFL has said the top two divisions will play this weekend, but then matches would be suspended from next Tuesday until 2 April. | |
| Afternoon all. Stuart here allowing Ben some respite. | |
| Oh but there’s no respite, as proper journalism’s David Conn reports … | |
| BT Sport are not offering refunds to subscribers for the lack of live Premier League, Champions League, Bundesliga and other competitions to which they have TV rights, as broadcasters grapple with the mass postponement of sports due to the coronavirus pandemic. | |
| The company is planning to fill its schedules with any live sport which carries on, reruns of matches already played this season, WWE films and documentaries. Its current position is that as, so far, only two rounds of Premier League matches have been postponed – until 4 April – and Uefa has postponed only next week’s Champions and Europa League matches, it hopes to resume broadcasting live sport before too long. | |
| In a statement, a BT spokesman said: “We apologise to customers about the changes to the BT Sport schedule this month due to the impact of Covid-19. The situation is evolving rapidly and we are working with the leagues to continue to broadcast live sport wherever possible and broadcast games when they are rescheduled over the coming months. We will continue to broadcast a wide range of BT Sport content including films and documentaries and we will update our customers as we have a clearer view of the remainder of the season.” | |
| Story in full below … | |
| Jürgen Klopp has penned an open letter to supporters: | |
| It’s not football ... but the Giro d’Italia has been postponed. The cycling event was due to take place between 9-31 May. In response to the spread of the coronavirus, the Hungarian government has declared a state of emergency. This means the Giro’s start in Budapest cannot take place in Hungary as planned. | |
| As it stands, National League matches remain on, though there is a board meeting taking place this afternoon. The Chesterfield manager, John Pemberton, has described the situation as “crazy”. The Bundesliga will play behind closed doors on Saturday, while there are matches planned in Turkey and Russia. | |
| Manchester United react to the suspension of Premier League matches, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær thanking supporters for their backing. “I would like to thank our fans for their tremendous support so far this season and we look forward to welcoming them back to Old Trafford as soon as is safely possible,” he says. Ed Woodward adds: “While it is disappointing to see the season paused, we recognise there are bigger considerations as part of the need to help slow the spread of coronavirus.” | Manchester United react to the suspension of Premier League matches, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær thanking supporters for their backing. “I would like to thank our fans for their tremendous support so far this season and we look forward to welcoming them back to Old Trafford as soon as is safely possible,” he says. Ed Woodward adds: “While it is disappointing to see the season paused, we recognise there are bigger considerations as part of the need to help slow the spread of coronavirus.” |
| Meanwhile at Cheltenham, the first race is moments away: | Meanwhile at Cheltenham, the first race is moments away: |
| Southampton sent their players home earlier and, at the moment, the plan is for training to resume on Monday. The players will be given a weekend off after the postponement of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Norwich City. No Southampton players are showing any symptoms of coronavirus. | Southampton sent their players home earlier and, at the moment, the plan is for training to resume on Monday. The players will be given a weekend off after the postponement of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Norwich City. No Southampton players are showing any symptoms of coronavirus. |
| The Irish FA have also suspended all matches at domestic and grassroots levels following a meeting this morning, copying the steps taking by the Premier League and co. “We expect games to restart on Saturday 4 April 2020. The matter will be kept under constant review,” they say. | The Irish FA have also suspended all matches at domestic and grassroots levels following a meeting this morning, copying the steps taking by the Premier League and co. “We expect games to restart on Saturday 4 April 2020. The matter will be kept under constant review,” they say. |
| Anyone know when Premier League Years next airs? The Premier League, the Football League, the Football Association and the Women’s Super League have suspended all matches until the weekend of 3-5 April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. | Anyone know when Premier League Years next airs? The Premier League, the Football League, the Football Association and the Women’s Super League have suspended all matches until the weekend of 3-5 April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. |
| Liverpool have a released a statement saying they “welcome” the Premier League’s decision to postpone all matches and confirm they have implemented precautions across its sites to “minimise the spread of the coronavirus”. | Liverpool have a released a statement saying they “welcome” the Premier League’s decision to postpone all matches and confirm they have implemented precautions across its sites to “minimise the spread of the coronavirus”. |
| Confirmation of F1 races being chopped: | Confirmation of F1 races being chopped: |
| Premier League big hitters need to support lower-league clubs in the wake of the financial impact of the coronavirus, says Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony. “There is going to be financial shortfalls for many clubs, cashflow issues,” MacAnthony said, speaking to talkSPORT. “I would guess-timate the average League One and Two club is probably going to need a loan of £300k to £400k each. There’s enough money in football. We need to come together and make sure nobody goes under because of this virus.” | Premier League big hitters need to support lower-league clubs in the wake of the financial impact of the coronavirus, says Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony. “There is going to be financial shortfalls for many clubs, cashflow issues,” MacAnthony said, speaking to talkSPORT. “I would guess-timate the average League One and Two club is probably going to need a loan of £300k to £400k each. There’s enough money in football. We need to come together and make sure nobody goes under because of this virus.” |
| Reaction: Aston Villa’s chief executive, Christian Purslow, battles past the assembled media at the Premier League’s London headquarters and has his say on the suspension of matches. “I think it’s a very good decision,” he says. We’ve got great league management – they’ve made the right decision.” Is he confident the league will resume on 4 April? “None of us know. We’ll see.” | Reaction: Aston Villa’s chief executive, Christian Purslow, battles past the assembled media at the Premier League’s London headquarters and has his say on the suspension of matches. “I think it’s a very good decision,” he says. We’ve got great league management – they’ve made the right decision.” Is he confident the league will resume on 4 April? “None of us know. We’ll see.” |
| Domestic football is hit in Wales. The Football Association of Wales has taken the decision to suspend domestic football “at all levels in Wales with immediate effect until 4 April” due to the Covid-19 outbreak. “The intention at this time will be to resume the football schedule depending on the medical advice and conditions from the relevant authorities at that time,” reads a FAW statement. “The FAW is fully aware of the impact this will have on the domestic game but the health and safety of all fans, players, volunteers and stakeholders are of paramount importance.” | Domestic football is hit in Wales. The Football Association of Wales has taken the decision to suspend domestic football “at all levels in Wales with immediate effect until 4 April” due to the Covid-19 outbreak. “The intention at this time will be to resume the football schedule depending on the medical advice and conditions from the relevant authorities at that time,” reads a FAW statement. “The FAW is fully aware of the impact this will have on the domestic game but the health and safety of all fans, players, volunteers and stakeholders are of paramount importance.” |
| Kudos to Aston Villa: | Kudos to Aston Villa: |
| On Thursday afternoon Boris Johnson said there was “no medical reason” to ban sporting events. Less than 24 hours later, the Premier League, EFL, FA, Scottish FA and WSL take matters into their own hands and follow the lead of European leagues, with La Liga, Eredivisie and Ligue 1 among those to chop matches: | On Thursday afternoon Boris Johnson said there was “no medical reason” to ban sporting events. Less than 24 hours later, the Premier League, EFL, FA, Scottish FA and WSL take matters into their own hands and follow the lead of European leagues, with La Liga, Eredivisie and Ligue 1 among those to chop matches: |
| In egg-shaped ball news, the Premiership Rugby cup final between Sale Sharks and Harlequins has been given the green light to go ahead on Sunday. “We will continue to work closely with government on a schedule for the remainder of the season, should the guidance on sporting events change,” a Sale statement said on Friday. “We will keep updating our plans with new information as it is released, and ensure our clubs and fans are updated with developments as soon as they happen.” | In egg-shaped ball news, the Premiership Rugby cup final between Sale Sharks and Harlequins has been given the green light to go ahead on Sunday. “We will continue to work closely with government on a schedule for the remainder of the season, should the guidance on sporting events change,” a Sale statement said on Friday. “We will keep updating our plans with new information as it is released, and ensure our clubs and fans are updated with developments as soon as they happen.” |
| Reaction from the Championship: Luton Town’s chief executive, Gary Sweet, has said “every club will have an absolutely huge dent in its cashflows”. Speaking to talkSPORT, Sweet says: “We, along with lots of other businesses, are going to be dealing with a really financial difficult period, regardless of what the situation is.” As for Euro 2020, he says: “It just cannot go ahead, can it?” | Reaction from the Championship: Luton Town’s chief executive, Gary Sweet, has said “every club will have an absolutely huge dent in its cashflows”. Speaking to talkSPORT, Sweet says: “We, along with lots of other businesses, are going to be dealing with a really financial difficult period, regardless of what the situation is.” As for Euro 2020, he says: “It just cannot go ahead, can it?” |
| The coronavirus chaos extends to ... chess: | The coronavirus chaos extends to ... chess: |
| Wales have, unsurprisingly, canned their international with Austria, which was due to be played on 27 March. Wales v USA has already bitten the dust. “The FAW has made this decision in light of recent developments, with the aim of putting the health and safety of all fans, players and stakeholders first and foremost.” | Wales have, unsurprisingly, canned their international with Austria, which was due to be played on 27 March. Wales v USA has already bitten the dust. “The FAW has made this decision in light of recent developments, with the aim of putting the health and safety of all fans, players and stakeholders first and foremost.” |
| You heard the man ... | You heard the man ... |
| Somehow Cheltenham soldiers on: | Somehow Cheltenham soldiers on: |
| There is plenty to mull over. Sign up to The Recap: | There is plenty to mull over. Sign up to The Recap: |
| The Scottish Football Association has confirmed they have suspended all professional and grassroots football in Scotland until further notice. Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA chief executive, said: “Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic.” | The Scottish Football Association has confirmed they have suspended all professional and grassroots football in Scotland until further notice. Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA chief executive, said: “Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic.” |
| An eighth Premier League club confirm self-isolation measures: West Ham United say personnel who came into contact with Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for coronavirus, are quarantining as a precaution. They say they have “already taken a number of precautionary measures”, including deep cleans at the club’s training grounds as well as the London Stadium. Arsenal, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester, Manchester City, Watford and now West Ham United have at least one employee in self-isolation. | An eighth Premier League club confirm self-isolation measures: West Ham United say personnel who came into contact with Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for coronavirus, are quarantining as a precaution. They say they have “already taken a number of precautionary measures”, including deep cleans at the club’s training grounds as well as the London Stadium. Arsenal, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester, Manchester City, Watford and now West Ham United have at least one employee in self-isolation. |
| In rugby league, meanwhile, all is rosy: | In rugby league, meanwhile, all is rosy: |
| Football, it is fair to say, is at a standstill: | Football, it is fair to say, is at a standstill: |
| • Premier League, EFL and WSL postponed until 3 April• England’s internationals at Wembley postponed• Uefa postpone next week’s European matches• Euro 2020 under threat, with Uefa to meet on Tuesday• Bundesliga to be suspended after games this weekend• Serie A, Eredivisie, MLS and Primeira Liga postponed• La Liga cancel ‘at least next two rounds of matches’• Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 suspended ‘until further notice’• Wales international against USA postponed | • Premier League, EFL and WSL postponed until 3 April• England’s internationals at Wembley postponed• Uefa postpone next week’s European matches• Euro 2020 under threat, with Uefa to meet on Tuesday• Bundesliga to be suspended after games this weekend• Serie A, Eredivisie, MLS and Primeira Liga postponed• La Liga cancel ‘at least next two rounds of matches’• Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 suspended ‘until further notice’• Wales international against USA postponed |
| More reaction: Stoke City’s chairman, Peter Coates, reckons the suspension of matches could have grave implications on some Football League clubs. “The way players have gone down and how things have escalated, we have got to a point where we had little choice,” he said, speaking to BBC 5Live. “I don’t think the financial implications will hit the Premier League hard because their income comes from media and broadcasting, so they have a cushion against this. For the rest of football, it’s quite different as they rely on gate receipts and commercial activities, with a very small part coming from the media. This will have serious financial implications, with some clubs possibly running out of money.” | More reaction: Stoke City’s chairman, Peter Coates, reckons the suspension of matches could have grave implications on some Football League clubs. “The way players have gone down and how things have escalated, we have got to a point where we had little choice,” he said, speaking to BBC 5Live. “I don’t think the financial implications will hit the Premier League hard because their income comes from media and broadcasting, so they have a cushion against this. For the rest of football, it’s quite different as they rely on gate receipts and commercial activities, with a very small part coming from the media. This will have serious financial implications, with some clubs possibly running out of money.” |
| Reaction from the Championship: Swansea City’s chairman, Trevor Birch, acknowledges the postponement of matches was “inevitable”. In a statement, Birch said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff, supporters, their families and the wider public will always remain of paramount importance to the football club. The decision to postpone fixtures was inevitable and totally understandable for what is an unprecedented and dynamically developing situation. We all hope we can get back to normal as soon as possible, but the priority at the moment is for everyone to follow the health advice available and stay safe.’’ | Reaction from the Championship: Swansea City’s chairman, Trevor Birch, acknowledges the postponement of matches was “inevitable”. In a statement, Birch said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff, supporters, their families and the wider public will always remain of paramount importance to the football club. The decision to postpone fixtures was inevitable and totally understandable for what is an unprecedented and dynamically developing situation. We all hope we can get back to normal as soon as possible, but the priority at the moment is for everyone to follow the health advice available and stay safe.’’ |
| You may have missed it but, in today’s only game, Nigel Pearson scored an absolute peach against the prime minister: | You may have missed it but, in today’s only game, Nigel Pearson scored an absolute peach against the prime minister: |
| Word from the Premier League, following that meeting between all 20 clubs at their headquarters in London. “It was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time,” they say. The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, describes this is an “unprecedented sitaution” and adds: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by Covid-19. In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by academy sides, when it is safe to do so. In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.” | Word from the Premier League, following that meeting between all 20 clubs at their headquarters in London. “It was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time,” they say. The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, describes this is an “unprecedented sitaution” and adds: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by Covid-19. In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by academy sides, when it is safe to do so. In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.” |
| “Any word yet on the lowly National League being suspended or going ahead?” emails Ian Connor. The FA says it is liaising with the men and women’s league’s pyramids and “will continue to offer guidance and support. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game” ... | “Any word yet on the lowly National League being suspended or going ahead?” emails Ian Connor. The FA says it is liaising with the men and women’s league’s pyramids and “will continue to offer guidance and support. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game” ... |
| The Football Association have confirmed England’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark will no longer take place later this month, with the FA confirming the cancellation of “England team fixtures at every level”. The FA state “all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so”. | The Football Association have confirmed England’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark will no longer take place later this month, with the FA confirming the cancellation of “England team fixtures at every level”. The FA state “all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so”. |
| So, confirmation from the powers that be that the Premier League, Football League and Women’s Super League will shutdown until at least 3 April. In a statement, the EFL said this action “will be kept under constant review” and a further update will be given following another EFL board meeting next week. The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all academy and youth-team fixtures. In addition, clubs have been advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities, including player appearances, training-ground visits and fan meetings. “This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak,” said the EFL in a statement. | So, confirmation from the powers that be that the Premier League, Football League and Women’s Super League will shutdown until at least 3 April. In a statement, the EFL said this action “will be kept under constant review” and a further update will be given following another EFL board meeting next week. The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all academy and youth-team fixtures. In addition, clubs have been advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities, including player appearances, training-ground visits and fan meetings. “This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak,” said the EFL in a statement. |
| Thiago Alcântara, the Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder, has had his say, since deleting a tweet that reportedly described the DFL’s decision to play Bundesliga matches this weekend ahead of a planned suspension as “irresponsible”. He added: “This is crazy. Please stop fooling around and land on reality. Let’s be honest, there are much more important priorities than any sport.” | Thiago Alcântara, the Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder, has had his say, since deleting a tweet that reportedly described the DFL’s decision to play Bundesliga matches this weekend ahead of a planned suspension as “irresponsible”. He added: “This is crazy. Please stop fooling around and land on reality. Let’s be honest, there are much more important priorities than any sport.” |
| The EFL have confirmed the unprecedented measure after “in light of overnight developments”, ie news of the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive for coronavirus. The EFL board convened on Friday morning and have determined that all “football activity scheduled to take place this weekend and until 3 April will be postponed”. | The EFL have confirmed the unprecedented measure after “in light of overnight developments”, ie news of the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive for coronavirus. The EFL board convened on Friday morning and have determined that all “football activity scheduled to take place this weekend and until 3 April will be postponed”. |
| We’ve discussed the Premier League and English Football League at length, but what about the Football Association, I hear you ask ... well, it seems the FA are set to scrap England’s friendlies with Italy and Denmark later this month. Wales have already cancelled their date with USA in Cardiff on 30 March, while their match against Austria in Swansea looks increasingly likely to follow suit. | We’ve discussed the Premier League and English Football League at length, but what about the Football Association, I hear you ask ... well, it seems the FA are set to scrap England’s friendlies with Italy and Denmark later this month. Wales have already cancelled their date with USA in Cardiff on 30 March, while their match against Austria in Swansea looks increasingly likely to follow suit. |
| Actual football looks unlikely for a little while so, in the meantime, lose yourself in the underworld of meaningless tittle-tattle: | Actual football looks unlikely for a little while so, in the meantime, lose yourself in the underworld of meaningless tittle-tattle: |
| A reminder England’s tour of Sri Lanka has been canned: | A reminder England’s tour of Sri Lanka has been canned: |