Leeds United’s promotion rivals Nottingham Forest have held talks with the EFL following the news that their owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has tested positive for coronavirus. The 52-year-old made the announcement via his Instagram account on Tuesday, prompting further discussions to take place concerning all those who have been in close contact with him.
Forest, who currently sit in fifth position, 11 points behind Leeds, were beaten by Millwall at the City Ground last Friday and the Londoners are therefore seeking professional medical advice, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. Here is how the Leeds fans have responded to the news on Twitter.
Will the EFL demand all remaining fixtures are played behind closed doors?
Yes
No
At least they’ve self isolated from the automatic promotion places.
— Roger Allison (@Alibongoed) March 10, 2020
Let’s just announce that the league is finished now and anyone in playoffs they will start back up in May. We can then get on with planning our parade as champions
— Scott Ellis ?? (@LeedsfanEllis) March 10, 2020
Game over now. All games behind closed doors imo. I really hope not but it sadly seems inevitable.
— Darren Metcalfe (@darren_metcalfe) March 10, 2020
20 pts deduction please
— Sam Thompson (@JarrieSam) March 10, 2020
We have a long wait if the EFL deals with it, should find out about September
— Tim Vincent (@timvincent63) March 10, 2020
There’s no way we are going to be there to see Leeds promoted is there #Lufc
— Charlsella Bielsenberg ?? (@charlieros1e) March 10, 2020
There are going to suspend the championship now. If players have come into contact with him, we have no alternative………
— Jilly H ?? (@MrsJillyH) March 10, 2020
What do we think?
The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal that was scheduled to take place on Wednesday night has been postponed due to the fact the Gunners players and staff had contact with Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos, when the sides met at the Emirates Stadium last month.
It remains to be seen whether the authorities will demand that the upcoming Championship fixtures are played behind closed doors but judging by the replies of these supporters, many believe it’s a very real possibility.