Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to a report by The Times, claiming all football matches in England will be played behind closed doors due to Coronavirus.
The government are believed to be planning a clampdown on all upcoming events in the country in a bid to combat the spread of the virus, which has so far resulted in 460 cases as of Wednesday night.
A meeting of the government’s Cobra committee is due to be held on Thursday morning where they will discuss what measures can be put in place, including potentially putting all remaining fixtures behind closed doors.
Should the Cobra committee decide to force all football clubs to shut their gates, season ticket holders and individual match ticket holders will be able to live stream the remaining games of the season.
Broadcasters BT and Sky Sports will be allowed to show more than one game during their regular Saturday lunchtime, evening, Sunday and Monday slots, though no Saturday 15:00 kick-offs will be permitted for live streaming.
Should all remaining fixtures be played behind closed doors?
Yes
No
No fixtures will be shown in pubs in a decision aimed at avoiding congregation of supporters, like seen at Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League Round of 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night when thousands gathered outside Le Parc des Princes.
The season is unlikely to be cancelled outright due to the Premier League’s television broadcast contracts, which could result in penalty clauses reaching multiple hundreds of millions of pounds.
A complete shut down of supporters attending fixtures carries a natural impact on our upcoming FA Cup Quarter Final tie with Manchester City, due to take place at St. James’ Park on March 21.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to The Times’ report…
If anyone wants me I’ll be in a dark room 😫😫😫 https://t.co/D1JMz13r3I
— Stacy Young (@Stacyluvmusic) March 12, 2020
Man City vs Newcastle in a training ground match with no atmosphere is ideal for Man City.
— Rafa Facts (@FactsRafa) March 12, 2020
You just knew it had to happen
— NUFCTOON (@NUFCTOON1892) March 12, 2020
When’s it’s officially announced by the authorities, I will worry. The press are simply trying to take the lead in all this. It’s the press and social media scare mongering. We all know there’s a problem, but until the CMO and CSO recommend a shut down, we should carry on.
— Paul65 (@Paul6573176903) March 12, 2020
Canny bit of OTT and faux devastated proclamations this morning. The real issue is the lack of a clear coherent strategy. Our govt is making it up as it goes along. No learning from the experiences of other countries.
— El Paso De Peanuts (@Kevlew833) March 12, 2020
Will it still be televised?
— Sean (@seaned75) March 12, 2020
Everyone suggests that a home crowd gives the home team a lift etc so how can it be fair to expect teams on the run in to lose their home advantage which could be the difference between winning and not? Same goes for the FA Cup matches (tho not the semi and final)
— Theatre4Everyone (@AndyBtheatre) March 12, 2020
Look what happened in Paris last night.
Either cancel it, or play as normal.
On top of all this, there’s still thousands allowed down to Cheltenham. Supposed to be going tomorrow. Should that really be going ahead? Should I stay home? Contradictory advice isn’t helping anyone.
— RJ (@rjNUFC) March 12, 2020
@JoshBone1998 im absolutely livid
— Kez (@kezthompsonnn) March 12, 2020
All this because of a bug which has been around for ages aye
— jack (@Jack__1955) March 12, 2020
Absolutely heartbroken. Not been this excited for a match in years https://t.co/hxzOPIEuyM
— Alan Bates (@silverbee52) March 12, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, a £19.8m-rated Toon duo have been tipped to reconsider their futures at St. James’ Park.