sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Players Set To Revolt Against Behind Closed Doors Plans

Players Set To Revolt Against Behind Closed Doors Plans

Premier League and Football League players are against plans for the leagues to continue with fans locked out of the grounds.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Players from the Premier League and Football League are expected to fight against the idea of returning to behind closed doors matches in May, according to a report.

Football is currently on hiatus due to the outbreak of Covid-19 around Europe. Some leagues played behind closed doors matches before eventually suspending their leagues but that didn't happen in England.

There has been talks that both the Premier League and EFL could return at the beginning of May, with no fans allowed in, to allow the leagues to finish.

However, according to the Mirror, players are against that idea for several reasons. The paper say players "fear for their own safety amid strict Government warnings over social distancing," that "it could put their own families in jeopardy if they then become infected," worry about "extra strain would be placed on emergency services with ambulances, paramedics and security would be needed at a time when they are already being stretched to the limit," and "do not want to play in empty stadiums with loyal fans being locked out."

The Premier League reportedly have plans in place to return to action for the weekend of May 2nd/3rd in an attempt to finish the season.

Failure to do so could end up with clubs missing out on million of pounds of television money, from their huge tv deals, but players aren't ready to return.

No games in England were played behind closed doors but they were in Italy. Image: PA Images
No games in England were played behind closed doors but they were in Italy. Image: PA Images

They have already spoken to the Professional Footballers' Association about their concerns and the PFA will pass them on to the football authorities.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "Players do have concerns and understandably so. It would not be our preferred option but everything has to be considered at the moment."

The Football Association has already confirmed that no games will be played before the end of April and also lifted the deadline for the end of the season, which is normally the beginning of June.

Leicester's 4-0 win over Aston Villa was the most recent Premier League game. Image: PA Images
Leicester's 4-0 win over Aston Villa was the most recent Premier League game. Image: PA Images

This summer's Euros have been delayed until 2021, leaving more time for leagues to be completed, but there is no guarantee when football will be able to continue.

On Monday night Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed stricter restrictions on the country with people only allowed out for essential shopping, medical needs, travel to work (only when essential), and one trip out for exercise a day.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: League Two, Football News, football league, PFA, League One, Premier League, Coronavirus, championship, Covid-19