Supporters of Wolverhampton Wanderers have fumed following a tweet from Tim Spiers about UEFA’s decision on Thursday’s Europa League clash.
As relayed by the Old Gold, UEFA have rejected a request to have the game against Olympiakos postponed (per Wolves), which the Athletic journalist later relayed his thoughts on causing a fume amongst supporters.
Parts of the world on lockdown, thousands dead or infected, unprecedented crisis, Wolves unhappy to potentially put themselves at risk by playing a club whose owner has tested positive…but @UEFA force them to go. Football.
If there's even the slightest risk how is it worth it?
— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) March 10, 2020
It’s a disgrace Tim!! I’m surprised that the Premiership haven’t stepped in & told UEFA that it’s not to happen!! Wolves should just dump the competition! The players Health is far more important than winning some Trophy!!
— Steve Wiles (@SteveWiles20) March 11, 2020
If they go and one or more of our guys gets COVID19, that’d open @UEFA up to litigation.
— Paul C (@pablowolfo) March 10, 2020
Getafe are refusing to travel to Inter. We should probably do the same if the players and staff are uncomfortable.
— Munk (@AVMunk) March 10, 2020
Should Wolves refuse to travel to Olympiakos even if it means potential disqualification?Yes, if the staff and players don't feel safe
No, they just need to go and get the game played
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The controversy surrounding the fixture comes after it was initially announced that the game would be played behind closed doors (per Wolves) and then Olympiakos’ owner, Evangelos Marinakis, tested positive for coronavirus (per The Guardian).
Following UEFA’s decision that the tie should go ahead, though, supporters continued to air their fume following Tim Spiers’ tweet.
Disgrace from @EuropaLeague
— Joey ? (@DynamiteDiogo) March 10, 2020
@EuropaLeague you need to stop this game happening
— Martyn (@Fanta0490) March 10, 2020
It isn’t, they should just not go and risk receiving a ban or forfeit from the tournament
— Esteban Punzo (@EstebanPunzo) March 10, 2020
For me they don’t go, I know some of them as people, make a stand and don’t travel !!
— Ady Smallman (@adysmallman) March 10, 2020
What do we think?
With Nuno Espirito Santo having made his feelings clear on not wanting to travel currently (per Sky Sports), it leaves the stance of the club in no doubt.
So, if they do not feel safe and do not wish to travel then it seems unreasonable of UEFA to still expect them to and it is clear from the responses that supporters feel the same way.