The EFL are in talks with the UK government regarding concerns over coronavirus, according to The Times. The report says there is currently “no rationale” to treat major sports events any different to other large public venues in the UK.
As of now, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government are not recommending the cancellation of large-scale events, but that could change depending on how things develop.
Should the EFL instruct teams to play games behind closed doors?
Yes
No
The news was relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth on Twitter. Here is how some of the Leeds supporters have responded.
I’m Ready for Huddersfield at home. ??#LUFC pic.twitter.com/G1HU0KMTLZ
— Diddlysquat (@markrikko) March 3, 2020
Here’s a thought. If everything went pear shaped and the whole season was abandoned would Leeds be promoted on the PROBABILITY that they would have finished in the top two?
— Brian Morley (@BrianMorley7) March 3, 2020
Good chance it will happen I reckon. Likely pubs will have to shut as well. Sky rubbing their hands as Sport subscriptions go through the roof ?
— Kevin Hird’s Barber (@Dwarfland25) March 3, 2020
The most Leeds thing ever – finally getting promotion just as the world’s population dies out.
— MJ (@elland_toad) March 3, 2020
39 people have it, its a more serious flu. If you think you’re gonna get seriously ill, stay away but why play behind closed doors? Madness.
— CMCM (@cmcm52irfc) March 3, 2020
Just our luck that !!!
— UNITEdLEEDS92 (@UNITE_d_LEEDS) March 3, 2020
Joke
— kvn (@Clerth_Harry) March 3, 2020
My 9 years old daughter’s first trip from North of Norway to Elland Road in danger then.. #lufc
— Svein Pettersen (@SveinPettersen) March 3, 2020
Can just see it now. Games on tv instead so even bigger crowds of people in the centre of Leeds watching on giant screens and in pubs. Doesn’t fix anything just makes it worse if anything
— 92 Leeds (@LeedsUtd1992) March 3, 2020
It’s the flu. Get on with it man!
— CWC (@CWC_LDS) March 3, 2020
What do we think?
Despite some of the more light-hearted responses on Twitter, this is a very serious subject and the first thing to take into consideration is the wellbeing of everybody present on a matchday. As confirmed by the report, there are no plans to play games behind closed doors as of yet, and communication between the EFL and the government will remain ongoing.
Leeds United are scheduled to welcome Huddersfield Town to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon and at the moment it will go ahead as planned, with supporters allowed to attend.