How to end the 2019/20 football season.

[Sparta Prada]

Covid-19 has put paid to the 2019/20 football season particularly in Europe where we get to the business end where trophies and places are decided.

In the English Premier League Liverpool have pretty much wrapped things up, but if the season doesn’t resume should they still be awarded their first championship in 30 years? There’s a bit of a dogfight at the bottom of the Premier League where a cluster of teams are looking to avoid relegation. Then there’s the FFP ban on Manchester City, should they be allowed a European place next season?

And this is just the Premier League. You can look through the Championship, lower leagues, Scottish Premiership, other championships in Europe, Champions League, Europa League, etc.

How is the best way to deal with the current season which is currently in limbo and the football authorities without a clue with regards to when the season could restart, if at all? Shelve this season? Or continue at all costs?

[WARSZAWA16]

It seems the powers that be are looking, rather hopefully maybe, to continue it. Whether that's at all costs though I'm not sure. As nobody really has a clue when things are likely to return to any semblance of normality though it rather depends when it can restart and then how that will tie in with "next season" which is due to start in August. If, say, it restarts in May/June I suspect they will be looking to condense the matches into a short space of time and then have a short close season.

Hindsight is always a wonderful thing but I bet they now have some regrets about having that 2 week "winter break" in February.

Don't forget Sky's involvement, of course, with the vast amounts of money involved and all that entails. 

[Sparta Prada]

Don't forget Sky's involvement, of course, with the vast amounts of money involved and all that entails.

I recall reading recently that Sky and BT Sports could claim back millions from the Premier League deal if this season is not finished by a particular date, which is why the Premier League are so keen to resume the season.

[WARSZAWA16]

I recall reading recently that Sky and BT Sports could claim back millions from the Premier League deal if this season is not finished by a particular date, which is why the Premier League are so keen to resume the season.

Yes, unfortunately it's Sky and BT Sport that call the shots. Hence the crazy and inconvenient (for traveling fans) kick-off times.

[Blackpool Rock]

Yeah I thought the Prem had now said the season can last indefinitely rather than having to finish by a certain date.
1st and foremost peoples health needs to be the prime consideration so games shouldn't start and realistically won't start until they can justify it's safe to do so, no doubt a risk assessment will be needed.

Some games could be played behind closed doors with no fans or perhaps only a limited number of home fans or season ticket holders only.

If the season doesn't finish until late Aug or Sept then perhaps the cup competitions don't get completed this season.
Likewise perhaps next season the cups don't get held or the season is run playing less games so teams all play each other but only either home or away.

In terms of this season while theoretically Liverpool could lose every game and not win it's not realistic however if the season is declared null and void then the wait continues.
I did overhear someone saying they thought it should be declared void so I asked him which team he supported, I was already fairly sure that I knew the answer but the guy just smiled and laughed before confirming Man Utd
The only other person I know who wants it scrubbed is that slut Karen Brady but then again West Ham are quite close to the drop and that's quite a big stadium to fill in the Prem let alone the Championship 

[Malvolio]

It looks like all of the non-league pyramid will be declared null and void - to be honest I can't see any other way to deal with the situation.  Handing out promotion, titles and relegations when none of these have been fairly decided isn't on.

[peter purves]

What do the football rules state?

If the season is to be is abandoned I do not think Liverpool can be made PL Champions

[mr.bluesky]

I think one representative should be picked from each club and the remaining games should be played out on FIFA 20 on PS4 or X Box .Safe and simple 

[Blackpool Rock]

I think one representative should be picked from each club and the remaining games should be played out on FIFA 20 on PS4 or X Box .Safe and simple 

Rumour has it that Liverpool are trying to resign Calamity James 

[bhudda]

I recall reading recently that Sky and BT Sports could claim back millions from the Premier League deal if this season is not finished by a particular date, which is why the Premier League are so keen to resume the season.

Would be a bit hypocritical of them to do that as they havent suggested they are going to refund or cancel my 12 month contract. I am currently paying a small fortune for endless repeats of the 1973 cup final and twenty 20 cricket matches i wasnt too interested in when they were live. I can live 2ith this as its nobodys fault but would hav3 a different view if sky got a refund of the premier league.

As regards how the season should end ... if it means liverpool dont get the title it will be the best possible outcome.

[Hobbit]

The season should be abandoned and made void. It's unfortunate for Liverpool and their fans but if they are really good as they say they are, then I'm sure they could try again next season.

[king tarzan]

Covid-19 has put paid to the 2019/20 football season particularly in Europe where we get to the business end where trophies and places are decided.

In the English Premier League Liverpool have pretty much wrapped things up, but if the season doesn’t resume should they still be awarded their first championship in 30 years? There’s a bit of a dogfight at the bottom of the Premier League where a cluster of teams are looking to avoid relegation. Then there’s the FFP ban on Manchester City, should they be allowed a European place next season?

And this is just the Premier League. You can look through the Championship, lower leagues, Scottish Premiership, other championships in Europe, Champions League, Europa League, etc.

How is the best way to deal with the current season which is currently in limbo and the football authorities without a clue with regards to when the season could restart, if at all? Shelve this season? Or continue at all costs?

with income prospects for food on the table and maintaining roof over one's head bloody football and sports should be the last things on the mind...

[peter purves]

Coronavirus: All Football Below National League to End

All football in England below the three divisions that make up the National League will end immediately and all results will be expunged.

It means there will be no promotion or relegation in these leagues.

The same will happen in the women's game below the Women's Super League and Championship level.

However, the National League, National League North and South, WSL and Women's Championship will continue towards a conclusion "as quickly as possible".

The Football Association said it was "reviewing all options" to complete the men's FA Cup, which had reached the quarter-final stage, and other cup competitions.

External Link/Members Only

[Hobbit]

with income prospects for food on the table and maintaining roof over one's head bloody football and sports should be the last things on the mind...

Football is just as important as sex KT. it brings communities together and it’s very therapeutic. I know I couldn’t live without it.

[peter purves]

with income prospects for food on the table and maintaining roof over one's head bloody football and sports should be the last things on the mind...

Hidden Image/Members Only

[mr.bluesky]

Football is just as important as sex KT. it brings communities together and it’s very therapeutic. I know I couldn’t live without it.

I don't know about therapeutic. Depending on what team you support. Take for example my local team Coventry City .Untold years of struggle and misery (except 1987) now all of a sudden we find ourselves top of League 1 and the season has ground to a halt . If the season does start up again the wheels will probably fall off the promotion band wagon big time. Just to confound Coventry fans misery ,on the rare occasion when we are doing well we are playing our "home games" in someone else's stadium 25 miles away so it makes me laugh when I hear fans of so called big teams moaning and bleating when they loose a few games. If you want something to moan about try following a team like Coventry City.

[peter purves]

I don't know about therapeutic. Depending on what team you support. Take for example my local team Coventry City .Untold years of struggle and misery (except 1987) now all of a sudden we find ourselves top of League 1 and the season has ground to a halt . If the season does start up again the wheels will probably fall off the promotion band wagon big time. Just to confound Coventry fans misery ,on the rare occasion when we are doing well we are playing our "home games" in someone else's stadium 25 miles away so it makes me laugh when I hear fans of so called big teams moaning and bleating when they loose a few games. If you want something to moan about try following a team like Coventry City.

Yes!

Although not as bad and Liverpool

[jeezy69]

Should just carry on the season when it's safe and delay next season however long they need to

[threechilliman]

Should just carry on the season when it's safe and delay next season however long they need to

I think Euro 2021 is the line in the sand. You have to get next season finished in time for that. I reckon this season probably needs to be finished by end of July to allow breaks and enough time to get next season finished. Could also be, if this goes on for a while that it becomes the 2019-21 season.

[Happylad]

It would be completely impractical to restart the season in June or July.  In the first place after a 3 month lay-off most of them would be completely and utterly unfit and if they were able to play at all they would still be crap to watch

 But that alone would then delay the start of the next season, then the players (being professional footballers) would need at least another full 2 months break before starting another season (can`t be expected to manage without their foreign holidays, can they?) and would then report back unfit again and need another 2 months to get fit again...........(Well, you get the drift).

Call it quits now and start the new season at the normal time.

[mr.bluesky]

It would be completely impractical to restart the season in June or July.  In the first place after a 3 month lay-off most of them would be completely and utterly unfit and if they were able to play at all they would still be crap to watch

 But that alone would then delay the start of the next season, then the players (being professional footballers) would need at least another full 2 months break before starting another season (can`t be expected to manage without their foreign holidays, can they?) and would then report back unfit again and need another 2 months to get fit again...........(Well, you get the drift).

Call it quits now and start the new season at the normal time.

Yeah must be tough on these footballers. Stopping at home counting their £50,000+ a week wages then expected to return playing football after a few weeks/months lay off. My heart bleeds for them.(not)

[catweazle]

Here's a thought: the authorities are worried that even if played behind closed doors, fans would congregate outside the stadia anyway.

So, play the outstanding fixtures, behind closed doors, in neutral grounds and don't announce where. Just say: "Arsenal 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1, played today".

[tesla]

Here's a thought: the authorities are worried that even if played behind closed doors, fans would congregate outside the stadia anyway.

So, play the outstanding fixtures, behind closed doors, in neutral grounds and don't announce where. Just say: "Arsenal 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1, played today".

Why? it's only football, not important in the current situation

[Hobbit]

Here's a thought: the authorities are worried that even if played behind closed doors, fans would congregate outside the stadia anyway.

So, play the outstanding fixtures, behind closed doors, in neutral grounds and don't announce where. Just say: "Arsenal 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1, played today".

More like Arsenal 4, Tottenham Hotspur 1. 

[Hobbit]

Why? it's only football, not important in the current situation

To say that shows that you are not a true football fan. Regardless of the current situation around the world it is absolutely fine for people to say that they miss football and to grieve its loss.

[Blackpool Rock]

Here's a thought: the authorities are worried that even if played behind closed doors, fans would congregate outside the stadia anyway.

So, play the outstanding fixtures, behind closed doors, in neutral grounds and don't announce where. Just say: "Arsenal 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1, played today".

Alternatively wasn't there talk about Sky & BT coming to an agreement with the FA to air games on normal free to view TV, can't see it happening, more like Sky & BT take legal action for loss of revenue if the season isn't completed

[tesla]

To say that shows that you are not a true football fan. Regardless of the current situation around the world it is absolutely fine for people to say that they miss football and to grieve its loss.

I am not a football fan at all, never have been. I cannot see why it is so important to so many people when there is so much more to worry about

[peter purves]

I am not a football fan at all, never have been. I cannot see why it is so important to so many people when there is so much more to worry about

To be fair football has been put on a back burner since the virus

[Hobbit]

I am not a football fan at all, never have been. I cannot see why it is so important to so many people when there is so much more to worry about

The answer lies in the first part of your question. I have highlighted in bold for you. 

[martini2429]

I am not a football fan at all, never have been. I cannot see why it is so important to so many people when there is so much more to worry about

All sports are important to people for differing reasons, take the Boat race, 2 teams rowing on the Thames, not even from London, yet thousands line the route to cheer them on, why?  The London Marathon again thousands take part and Thousands more cheer them on, again why?

It's because we enjoy sport, the majority of people in the World enjoy sport in one form of another, there are sports taking place in other countries that we don't know about here in Britain, but they love it

Have you ever watched an Indian Premier League Cricket Match, the Stadium are full to bursting, (each Match would sell out probable 10 times over if it could) and it's not just men who attend, it's women and children as well

So you see, to some people football is important, just as Cricket is and Rugby League and Rugby Union, when you go to a match for however long it last you don't have to worry about what else is happening in the World, you can do that later

 

[Hobbit]

All sports are important to people for differing reasons, take the Boat race, 2 teams rowing on the Thames, not even from London, yet thousands line the route to cheer them on, why?  The London Marathon again thousands take part and Thousands more cheer them on, again why?

It's because we enjoy sport, the majority of people in the World enjoy sport in one form of another, there are sports taking place in other countries that we don't know about here in Britain, but they love it

Have you ever watched an Indian Premier League Cricket Match, the Stadium are full to bursting, (each Match would sell out probable 10 times over if it could) and it's not just men who attend, it's women and children as well

So you see, to some people football is important, just as Cricket is and Rugby League and Rugby Union, when you go to a match for however long it last you don't have to worry about what else is happening in the World, you can do that later

 

Wisely put. 

[ratedj]

I am not a football fan at all, never have been. I cannot see why it is so important to so many people when there is so much more to worry about

You only have to look at how much the industry grosses to understand why it's important to so many people. However, you are of course right when you say there's more to worry about.

[County Militia]

with income prospects for food on the table and maintaining roof over one's head bloody football and sports should be the last things on the mind...

Oh boo hoo... Perhaps you don't care for football much but many others do. Maybe you have to worry about food and housing but some of us don't as much. My wife and I have worked very hard over the years, paid off the mortgage on our house, have thousands in our savings and still have our jobs intact with everything that's been going on lately.

Maybe your struggling in life because you've accomplished what? Banged over 200 escorts? (Nothing to be proud of or feel sense of accomplishment about either dude) and haven't saved enough to pay for the basic necessities you need in life which should really be prioritized first for pretty much anyone.

So yeah I welcome the return of football, particularly the Premier League when it's safe so we can head up to Selhurst Park again to support the Palace because it's enjoyable and something to be passionate about and brings lots of like minded people together.

Best you stick to being bitter and miserable about things or making mango/ yabba dabba do posts like you usually do. 

[king tarzan]

Oh boo hoo... Perhaps you don't care for football much but many others do. Maybe you have to worry about food and housing but some of us don't as much. My wife and I have worked very hard over the years, paid off the mortgage on our house, have thousands in our savings and still have our jobs intact with everything that's been going on lately.

Maybe your struggling in life because you've accomplished what? Banged over 200 escorts? (Nothing to be proud of or feel sense of accomplishment about either dude) and haven't saved enough to pay for the basic necessities you need in life which should really be prioritized first for pretty much anyone.

So yeah I welcome the return of football, particularly the Premier League when it's safe so we can head up to Selhurst Park again to support the Palace because it's enjoyable and something to be passionate about and brings lots of like minded people together.

Best you stick to being bitter and miserable about things or making mango/ yabba dabba do posts like you usually do. 

I am on the verge of becoming homeless.. my fridge has out dated food, i don't have hot water or central heating as my gas boiler broke down last week, i can't afford to get it fixed,  and yes I'm totally broke too.... thanks for asking, respect to you for making my plight very public..

[lewisjones23]

Oh boo hoo... Perhaps you don't care for football much but many others do. Maybe you have to worry about food and housing but some of us don't as much. My wife and I have worked very hard over the years, paid off the mortgage on our house, have thousands in our savings and still have our jobs intact with everything that's been going on lately.

Maybe your struggling in life because you've accomplished what? Banged over 200 escorts? (Nothing to be proud of or feel sense of accomplishment about either dude) and haven't saved enough to pay for the basic necessities you need in life which should really be prioritized first for pretty much anyone.

So yeah I welcome the return of football, particularly the Premier League when it's safe so we can head up to Selhurst Park again to support the Palace because it's enjoyable and something to be passionate about and brings lots of like minded people together.

Best you stick to being bitter and miserable about things or making mango/ yabba dabba do posts like you usually do. 

To be fair, the number of brasses banged is probably well over the amount of reviews he has and to most on this forum it is an achievement 

[County Militia]

I am on the verge of becoming homeless.. my fridge has out dated food, i don't have hot water or central heating as my gas boiler broke down last week, i can't afford to get it fixed,  and yes I'm totally broke too.... thanks for asking, respect to you for making my plight very public..

Yet despite all that you still managed to afford spending no doubt thousands of pounds of escorts? Sorry but forgive me if I take your "plight" with a pinch of salt.

Even if true surely your priorities should be on things like making sure you stay employed, earning a living wage, etc, not spending so much time on here? Life is not fair dude. I worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get to where I am right now. Your not the only one who has been through a struggle in life.

[king tarzan]

Oh boo hoo... Perhaps you don't care for football much but many others do. Maybe you have to worry about food and housing but some of us don't as much. My wife and I have worked very hard over the years, paid off the mortgage on our house, have thousands in our savings and still have our jobs intact with everything that's been going on lately.

Maybe your struggling in life because you've accomplished what? Banged over 200 escorts? (Nothing to be proud of or feel sense of accomplishment about either dude) and haven't saved enough to pay for the basic necessities you need in life which should really be prioritized first for pretty much anyone.

So yeah I welcome the return of football, particularly the Premier League when it's safe so we can head up to Selhurst Park again to support the Palace because it's enjoyable and something to be passionate about and brings lots of like minded people together.

Best you stick to being bitter and miserable about things or making mango/ yabba dabba do posts like you usually do. 

Look i don't know which planet prick you live and frankly i don't give a shit..
I was just emphasising that for lots of people in the UK have more important things to worry about than football matches and who wins the premier league etc etc.. watching and supporting football does not pay the bills or puts food on the table..
Thankfully i am in a very fortunate position that i don't have to worry like millions of people that are worried out of there wits end about the mortgage, rent etc... and i have been there many many years ago..
So you keep wanking over Crystal palace and don't give a shit.. good for you..

[Happylad]

Why is is that every time I hear "Corvid 19" I expect it to be followed by "Crystal Palace nil"

[paper7]

All sports are important to people for differing reasons, take the Boat race, 2 teams rowing on the Thames, not even from London, yet thousands line the route to cheer them on, why?  The London Marathon again thousands take part and Thousands more cheer them on, again why?

It's because we enjoy sport, the majority of people in the World enjoy sport in one form of another, there are sports taking place in other countries that we don't know about here in Britain, but they love it

Have you ever watched an Indian Premier League Cricket Match, the Stadium are full to bursting, (each Match would sell out probable 10 times over if it could) and it's not just men who attend, it's women and children as well

So you see, to some people football is important, just as Cricket is and Rugby League and Rugby Union, when you go to a match for however long it last you don't have to worry about what else is happening in the World, you can do that later

 

Spot on!

I support Bristol Bears (Rugby Union) and have done since 1983 There is NOTHING like putting one over our nearest and dearest rivals (Bath Rugby) Used to travel all over the country to watch them, can't do it now sadly. But winning gives a buzz and, as I've heard it said more than once, 'It sets you up nicely for the week!'

So yes, sport is therapeutic and a vital yardstick for the nations health, imho.

[Blackpool Rock]

The prem are meeting today to discuss pushing the start date for resumption of games back again
External Link/Members Only

While in Belgium they have cancelled the season albeit 1 game short however Bruges have been declared champions though they mathematically couldn't be caught
 External Link/Members Only

[Hobbit]

The prem are meeting today to discuss pushing the start date for resumption of games back again
External Link/Members Only

While in Belgium they have cancelled the season albeit 1 game short however Bruges have been declared champions though they mathematically couldn't be caught
 External Link/Members Only

I don't see them pushing the start date back because it will mess up next season and the Euro' s. If the lockdown persists until June then they will have no choice but to make the season null and void.

[king tarzan]

I don't see them pushing the start date back because it will mess up next season and the Euro' s. If the lockdown persists until June then they will have no choice but to make the season null and void.

the would be bad on Liverpool  :thumbs:

(MAN UTD supporter myself)

[threechilliman]

I don't see them pushing the start date back because it will mess up next season and the Euro' s. If the lockdown persists until June then they will have no choice but to make the season null and void.

I think end of June is about the limit.

[Hobbit]

the would be bad on Liverpool  :thumbs:

(MAN UTD supporter myself)

It would. They may have to wait another 30 years. 

[Hobbit]

I think end of June is about the limit.

Bear in mind that the players will be out of shape and will need at least a couple of weeks pre-season to be match fit before they can restart.

[martini2429]

the would be bad on Liverpool  :thumbs:

(MAN UTD supporter myself)

Of course you are - You live down South, No brainer 

 

[threechilliman]

Bear in mind that the players will be out of shape and will need at least a couple of weeks pre-season to be match fit before they can restart.

Indeed, although you would hope that they're using their one exercise a day to keep in some sort of shape.  Mind you, it is football, where rational thinking can't be taken for granted.

If Euro 2021 is the one that cannot now move, factor in breaks between competitions etc, they must be playing by June to make Euro 2021 happen. For Liverpool, so close, but no cigar....

[Hobbit]

Of course you are - You live down South, No brainer 

 

 

[bhudda]

It would. They may have to wait another 30 years. 

I hope so

[mr.bluesky]

I see our greedy overpaid prima donna footballers are reluctant to take pay cuts in these difficult times. One weeks salary of theirs would  more than pay for the annual salary of the off field staff at any football club. Rugby union players who earn far less than footballers have agreed to pay cuts at many top level clubs.Says it all really.