Live Blog
- 18 Apr 2020, 0:28
- Updated: 18 Apr 2020, 0:29
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are split over how to restart the season.
Friday’s most recent meeting of the 20 teams saw one Big Six executive call out the sides who proposed a June 30 finish date.
The coronavirus has also sadly claimed another victim from the world of sport.
England 1966 World Cup winner and Leeds legend Norman Hunter has passed away aged 76 after being hospitalised with the virus.
Follow all the latest updates below…
Joshua Jones2 hours ago17th April 2020
READY, EDDIE, GO!
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is planning a six-week slugfest of boxing featuring “a number of shows”.
But the Matchroom boss is adamant nothing will be decided until the government gives the go-ahead in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
And Hearn acknowledge’s boxing has to “be more careful” than other sports due to the “medical requirements”.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the 40-year-old said: “I feel that June is still in the balance but we are working towards boxing behind closed doors for the end of June or early July.
“We are in the process of building a unique environment for boxing to return.
“That will be our own environment that we will self create for a period of probably between four and six weeks. We will stage a number of shows.
“It’s definitely a unique project. There is a lot of work to be done and don’t want to give too much away to competitors.
“It will be a unique environment that will focus on the safety of the boxers, focus on delivering fights for the boxers and delivering unique TV content for our broadcasters.
“We don’t want to take any chances though. For the sake of a few months we are not going to put people at risk of contracting an illness which could potentially be fatal so we won’t do it unless it is safe.”
Joshua Jones2 hours ago17th April 2020
NOT UNITED
Premier League rebels were silenced as the split between clubs over ending the season early was laid bare.
Today’s meeting of the 20 teams saw one Big Six executive call out the sides who proposed a June 30 finish date.
They were considering asking for a full debate on a forced closure amid concern over around 80 Prem players’ contracts expiring and causing “chaos”.
But instead the leading club chief tore into them on the video call to demand they stick with the League’s position of playing out the season.
In an outburst that signalled the anger of the Big Six — Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham — the exec told them: “Our aim is to finish this season and protect the start of next season.
“Everybody should get on board and those who don’t, or who are suggesting other things, are being totally disingenuous and unbelievable.”
A Prem spokesperson said: “It is our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops.”
Joshua Jones2 hours ago17th April 2020
LAM CHOP
Pat Lam’s billionaire boss is the 83rd richest man in the country, writes SunSport’s Jonny Fordham.
But even the brilliant Bristol Bears director of rugby is honest to the fact that there is a real chance the coronavirus pandemic might cost him his job.
Lam has guided the Bears to third in the Premiership table but, for the time being, he has put his trophy ambitions aside.
Instead he reminded his squad to wake up to the possible devastating financial effect that the medical disaster could have on their livelihoods.
Billionaire financial guru Stephen Lansdown bankrolls the club, as well as football club Bristol City, but cost-cutting measures are in place at Ashton Gate with no match-day revenues in sight.
Auckland-born Lam, 51, said: “We have taken pay cuts, but we also all have to prepare for the fact that we might not have a job.
“I’m already talking to my wife about what the reality is. But it’s fine, we always hope for the best, but prepare for the worse. No fear.
“It’s the way I coach as well, people say it’s crazy running the ball from anywhere, but it’s not. We prepare for it, we train for it, so now we are taking the analogies from how we play the game to the life situation.
“Rugby is no different to any other business and at the moment it is tough times. The sooner we get back, great.
“But the most important thing is that everyone stays strong and stays safe.”
Joshua Jones2 hours ago17th April 2020
THOMAS THE TANK
Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas completed his 36-hour cycling feat in support of the NHS.
The Welshman spent 12 hours on the bike at home for three days on the bounce.
His ride, which fans could join along with part of via a Zwift stream, raised more than £300,000.
And he finished off with a well-earned pint and a curry this evening.
Joshua Jones2 hours ago17th April 2020
FOOT THE BILL
Stars at Premier League clubs could be asked to turn up for training already in their KIT to avoid changing rooms.
And players may then get Covid-19 tests in their cars as soon as they arrive.
The ideas were discussed at today’s club video conference.
Club chiefs want players to spend as little time as possible at training complexes.
But when training does resume, probably next month, English clubs are likely to follow Germany.
There, teams in the top two divisions have trained in groups of five over the last two weeks.
It means five separate sessions for squads of 25.
Coronavirus in Sport LIVE: Premier League split on restart, Norman Hunter passes away, EFL behind closed doors - The Sun
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