How to end the 2019/20 football season.

[Moby Dick]

End it now. Who cares?
Support your nearest local lower division club when it is safe to do so.

These fuckers earning their millions, being asked if they would consider taking a 30% paycut. So fucking out of touch considering some of their humble backgrounds. Meanwhile the people that make it safe and allow them to play are furloughed on a lot less than the maximum of £2500 per month which will be paid by us.
Then we have nurses funerals. Died in their 30s trying to unselfishly save everyone and anyone.
Turn your back on premier league clubs.

Furlough all the premier league players. Maximum £2500/month. Name and shame any that claims it. Surely they can afford to go without for the duration

Is it really a beautiful game?

[mr.bluesky]

End it now. Who cares?
Support your nearest local lower division club when it is safe to do so.

These fuckers earning their millions, being asked if they would consider taking a 30% paycut. So fucking out of touch considering some of their humble backgrounds. Meanwhile the people that make it safe and allow them to play are furloughed on a lot less than the maximum of £2500 per month which will be paid by us.
Then we have nurses funerals. Died in their 30s trying to unselfishly save everyone and anyone.
Turn your back on premier league clubs.

Furlough all the premier league players. Maximum £2500/month. Name and shame any that claims it. Surely they can afford to go without for the duration

Is it really a beautiful game?

No it's no longer the beautiful game. It's a game driven by greed and self interest played by a bunch of uncaring prima donnas 

[ratedj]

End it now. Who cares?
Support your nearest local lower division club when it is safe to do so.

These fuckers earning their millions, being asked if they would consider taking a 30% paycut. So fucking out of touch considering some of their humble backgrounds. Meanwhile the people that make it safe and allow them to play are furloughed on a lot less than the maximum of £2500 per month which will be paid by us.
Then we have nurses funerals. Died in their 30s trying to unselfishly save everyone and anyone.
Turn your back on premier league clubs.

Furlough all the premier league players. Maximum £2500/month. Name and shame any that claims it. Surely they can afford to go without for the duration

Is it really a beautiful game?

'I heard it through the grapevine' is a line often used from Marvin Gaye's excellent song, though another great line often forgotten is 'Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.' It has transpired that prior to the Premier League releasing a statement yesterday a number of PL captains had held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund that could benefit the NHS. Will the PL players 'play their part' during this pandemic? Of coure they will. Clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain have already moved to significantly redcue their player wages. None of us are privy to discussions taking place behind the scenes. A number of players carry out charitable work and some have already made donations during this pandemic, while others (Wilfried Zaha) have offered their residence to NHS workers.

Let's be honest, footballers are an easy target. Funny how Matt Hancock did not call out hedge fund managers also earning millions. One thing I do agree with though is that no PL club should be furloughing staff while its playing staff remain on full wages.

Furlough all premier league players at a maximum of £2,500 per month? No chance. The Premier League is an entity that generates its own income in large part due to its vast TV deal. But as previously noted, no PL club should be making use of the government's furlough plan. In addition I'm also of the view that the Premier League does need to make provisions for the EFL.

Is football still the beautiful game? Good question. Within the last 15 years it has certainly changed and it perhaps now resembles a busienss rather than a sport, and becasue of that we now have somewhat of a disconnect between players and fans. However, I still think that that some elements of the 'beautiful game' will always exist.

[Blackpool Rock]

'I heard it through the grapevine' is a line often used from Marvin Gaye's excellent song, though another great line often forgotten is 'Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.' It has transpired that prior to the Premier League releasing a statement yesterday a number of PL captains had held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund that could benefit the NHS. Will the PL players 'play their part' during this pandemic? Of coure they will. Clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain have already moved to significantly redcue their player wages. None of us are privy to discussions taking place behind the scenes. A number of players carry out charitable work and some have already made donations during this pandemic, while others (Wilfried Zaha) have offered their residence to NHS workers.

Let's be honest, footballers are an easy target. Funny how Matt Hancock did not call out hedge fund managers also earning millions. One thing I do agree with though is that no PL club should be furloughing staff while its playing staff remain on full wages.

Furlough all premier league players at a maximum of £2,500 per month? No chance. The Premier League is an entity that generates its own income in large part due to its vast TV deal. But as previously noted, no PL club should be making use of the government's furlough plan. In addition I'm also of the view that the Premier League does need to make provisions for the EFL.

Is football still the beautiful game? Good question. Within the last 15 years it has certainly changed and it perhaps now resembles a busienss rather than a sport, and becasue of that we now have somewhat of a disconnect between players and fans. However, I still think that that some elements of the 'beautiful game' will always exist.

Yeah i'm sure there were many discussions going on behind the scenes however they have scored an own goal by not publicising it, looks like the prem are advancing money to the lower leagues -

The Premier League will advance £125m to the EFL and National League, and give £20m towards the NHS.
External Link/Members Only

[king tarzan]

i remember on the same day it was

Argentina vs England world cup match

and

Lennox Lewis vs Mike tyson Superfight (sadly very embarrassingly one sided in the end)

I was waving the fights flat all day.. the football match meant nothing to me..

if the football match had been another day and yes of course the match would of meant something..

[freeze44]

End it now. Who cares?
Support your nearest local lower division club when it is safe to do so.

These fuckers earning their millions, being asked if they would consider taking a 30% paycut. So fucking out of touch considering some of their humble backgrounds. Meanwhile the people that make it safe and allow them to play are furloughed on a lot less than the maximum of £2500 per month which will be paid by us.
Then we have nurses funerals. Died in their 30s trying to unselfishly save everyone and anyone.
Turn your back on premier league clubs.

Furlough all the premier league players. Maximum £2500/month. Name and shame any that claims it. Surely they can afford to go without for the duration

Is it really a beautiful game?

Great rant MD 

Think it's long over due for football to return to it's roots. Much prefer cricket to watch.

No wanting to kick anyone's head in, lots of fun banter and not silly money.

[ratedj]

i remember on the same day it was

Argentina vs England world cup match

and

Lennox Lewis vs Mike tyson Superfight (sadly very embarrassingly one sided in the end)

I was waving the fights flat all day.. the football match meant nothing to me..

if the football match had been another day and yes of course the match would of meant something..

To note, the England/Argentina game was on the Friday and the Lewis/Tyson fight was on the Saturday!

[ratedj]

Yeah i'm sure there were many discussions going on behind the scenes however they have scored an own goal by not publicising it, looks like the prem are advancing money to the lower leagues -

The Premier League will advance £125m to the EFL and National League, and give £20m towards the NHS.
External Link/Members Only

Missed that! The right thing to do.

[king tarzan]

To note, the England/Argentina game was on the Friday and the Lewis/Tyson fight was on the Saturday!

Might of got confused with time zone difference.... anyways my attention was on the super fight... which sadly it wasn't..
certainly would of been 10 to 15 years earlier.. and most probably with a very different brutal outcome!!!

I do very much like both of them...

[ratedj]

Might of got confused with time zone difference.... anyways my attention was on the super fight... which sadly it wasn't..
certainly would of been 10 to 15 years earlier.. and most probably with a very different brutal outcome!!!

I do very much like both of them...

I'm with you! Apart from the first round the fight was a one-sided affair. However, I was nowhere near as dissapointed as I was after the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight!!!

[king tarzan]

I'm with you! Apart from the first round the fight was a one-sided affair. However, I was nowhere near as dissapointed as I was after the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight!!!

they both were way past there best..
 non boxing fans would find that fight appealing who just knows them by name and seen quick glimpses of them knocking people out..
A once true fight fan and observer like myself knew it was a money making sham for the fighters and the promoters..
This fight was at least again 10 to 15 years out of date..

[ratedj]

they both were way past there best..
 non boxing fans would find that fight appealing who just knows them by name and seen quick glimpses of them knocking people out..
A once true fight fan and observer like myself knew it was a money making sham for the fighters and the promoters..
This fight was at least again 10 to 15 years out of date..

You mean Lewis/Tyson?

[king tarzan]

You mean Lewis/Tyson?

Mayweather and Paqciou

[ratedj]

Mayweather and Paqciou

Oh! Nah, I'd say probably five years out of date. 2010 would have been the best time for that fight. Both were still in their prime when Mayweather beat Hatton in 2007 and Pacquiao beat Hatton in 2009. 

[king tarzan]

Oh! Nah, I'd say probably five years out of date. 2010 would have been the best time for that fight. Both were still in their prime when Mayweather beat Hatton in 2007 and Pacquiao beat Hatton in 2009.

still in there 30's if 5 years out dated..

Best time for super fights mid to late 20's in IMHO

[ratedj]

still in there 30's if 5 years out dated..

Best time for super fights mid to late 20's in IMHO

The point is though it's a fighter's performance and the pre-fight hype that determines a super fight, not their age. For example, many would agree that Johusa/Klitschko was one of the better heavyweight fights in recent times and Klitschko was 41!

[king tarzan]

The point is though it's a fighter's performance and the pre-fight hype that determines a super fight, not their age. For example, many would agree that Johusa/Klitschko was one of the better heavyweight fights in recent times and Klitschko was 41!

we all have our opinions... 

[freeze44]

No it's no longer the beautiful game. It's a game driven by greed and self interest played by a bunch of uncaring prima donnas 

And now seems they complaining that by taking a 30% wage cut will harm the NHS!!

They better do something big soon or people will realise how out of touch bunch they are 

[Hobbit]

And now seems they complaining that by taking a 30% wage cut will harm the NHS!!

They better do something big soon or people will realise how out of touch bunch they are 

It's actually disgusting that the PFA and players have said this. They earn more than enough and have plenty in reserve to lose a bit of income for 2 or 3 months. Was really disappointed to hear this yesterday. These plays are looked up to by many kids but this kind of greedy behaviour is extremely disappointing.

[ratedj]

And now seems they complaining that by taking a 30% wage cut will harm the NHS!!

They better do something big soon or people will realise how out of touch bunch they are 

The point may have been missed. The wage cut, per se, is not the atcual issue at hand. What they have highighted is that the salary deduction will imapct the Exchequer.

"Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

"The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government."

In essence, the decrease in tax contributions would likely have a detrimental effect on the NHS. Acorrding to the BBC, "Privately, some Government officials accept the validity of this argument." There are obviously some complexities to this that none of us are privy to, though the in-fighting does not look good. However, the players have made it clear that they will 'play their part' and make significant contributions.

[Kingy28]

The £200 million of lost HMRC revenue figure seems to be based on the £500 million salary reduction all be subject to PAYE at 40%. I doubt that all players wages are treated this way. Many will have some offshore company loophole that is being exploited to lessen their tax bill each year.

[king tarzan]

The £200 million of lost HMRC revenue figure seems to be based on the £500 million salary reduction all be subject to PAYE at 40%. I doubt that all players wages are treated this way. Many will have some offshore company loophole that is being exploited to lessen their tax bill each year.

If i was made homeless over this, i couldn't give a shit about footballers wages tax, celebrities, the Royal Family..
Don't care because they are not going to help me... in this situation it's every man and woman for themselves and there families..
watch out for your own finances FUCK THE REST.. NOT YOUR CONCERN..

[freeze44]

The £200 million of lost HMRC revenue figure seems to be based on the £500 million salary reduction all be subject to PAYE at 40%. I doubt that all players wages are treated this way. Many will have some offshore company loophole that is being exploited to lessen their tax bill each year.

Yep and it smacks of 'let them eat cake' aka Marie-Antoinette and look what happened to that old banger!

The point is, if you really want to say thanks, it takes a lot more than chicken feed.

[Kingy28]

I wonder if Kyle Walker has got an account on here. Sounds like he's a punter 

[Moby Dick]

The point may have been missed. The wage cut, per se, is not the atcual issue at hand. What they have highighted is that the salary deduction will imapct the Exchequer.

"Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

"The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government."

In essence, the decrease in tax contributions would likely have a detrimental effect on the NHS. Acorrding to the BBC, "Privately, some Government officials accept the validity of this argument." There are obviously some complexities to this that none of us are privy to, though the in-fighting does not look good. However, the players have made it clear that they will 'play their part' and make significant contributions.

If that’s their argument then why don’t we just pay them more?

What about all of the lost NI and tax income from those that are furloughed on 80% pay?
Why should the public purse pay for them whilst the footballers carry on getting full pay?
They can’t work so they should be furloughed.
Next thing these clubs will be asking for government bail outs because they have gone bankrupt.
The only person needed at the football club is the guy who knows how to mow and maintain the pitch assuming that it ain’t artificial these days. Surely just a Saturday morning job if they ain’t playing.

[freeze44]

If that’s their argument then why don’t we just pay them more?

What about all of the lost NI and tax income from those that are furloughed on 80% pay?
Why should the public purse pay for them whilst the footballers carry on getting full pay?
They can’t work so they should be furloughed.
Next thing these clubs will be asking for government bail outs because they have gone bankrupt.
The only person needed at the football club is the guy who knows how to mow and maintain the pitch assuming that it ain’t artificial these days. Surely just a Saturday morning job if they ain’t playing.

Spot on there MD  If they £2500 pcm perhaps Kyle Walker etc would stop in too 

[Moby Dick]

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So out of touch talking about a youngster only earning £200O/week and living with their Mum on a council estate.
They might need that £600/week to support their families - WTF
Still getting £1400/week.
Whilst the rest of us make do with £2500 per month or Universal Credit.

[Blackpool Rock]

So I see that in France after the Government cancelled the 19/20 sporting season the league has been awarded to PSG on a points per game average though they were 12 points clear so almost certain to win it anyway.

I'm thinking it's up to each leagues governing body to make the call on whether to award the title or void the season, on this basis Liverpool would clearly piss it but I believe it puts the cat amongst the pigeons for relegation based on average points per game

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[Chorley]

Rock, paper, scissors, stone. 

[mr.bluesky]

So I see that in France after the Government cancelled the 19/20 sporting season the league has been awarded to PSG on a points per game average though they were 12 points clear so almost certain to win it anyway.



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This surely is the fairest way to do it. The Rugby championship (the second tier of rugby union) did it this way. Newcastle falcons were that far in front when the season was curtailed it wasn't likely they were going to get caught so they were deemed to be champions on this average points per game calculation.

[Beamer]

This surely is the fairest way to do it. The Rugby championship (the second tier of rugby union) did it this way. Newcastle falcons were that far in front when the season was curtailed it wasn't likely they were going to get caught so they were deemed to be champions on this average points per game calculation.

Seems a decent and fair option for what will be a massive decision for all concerned

[hornyguylondon]

So I see that in France after the Government cancelled the 19/20 sporting season the league has been awarded to PSG on a points per game average though they were 12 points clear so almost certain to win it anyway.

I'm thinking it's up to each leagues governing body to make the call on whether to award the title or void the season, on this basis Liverpool would clearly piss it but I believe it puts the cat amongst the pigeons for relegation based on average points per game

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The Dutch top flight was abandoned on Friday with no promotion or relegation and no champions. Personally I like the French approach but doubt the Prem League will have the balls or even be allowed to do it 
More importantly is there is anything in the rules that can be applied otherwise there will be claims left right and centre given the money involved !
They are desperately trying to finish the league this year so we'll see how it pans out.

[WARSZAWA16]

Seems to me that the Premier League want to continue but with matches played (initially they say) behind closed doors. They are talking of starting again in early June(!) (there is a meeting with the government and clubs tomorrow by all accounts). Whether the government will allow this, who knows? Sky were even talking the other day of having a "piped" atmosphere option for television viewers! It looks like Sky and BT Sport seem to want to resume at all costs to me though. As ever with the Premier League, it's all about the money I'm afraid. Even if games are played behind closed doors there would still need to be numerous medical people there who would obviously be better deployed elsewhere.   

[hornyguylondon]

Seems to me that the Premier League want to continue but with matches played (initially they say) behind closed doors. They are talking of starting again in early June(!) (there is a meeting with the government and clubs tomorrow by all accounts). Whether the government will allow this, who knows? Sky were even talking the other day of having a "piped" atmosphere option for television viewers! It looks like Sky and BT Sport seem to want to resume at all costs to me though. As ever with the Premier League, it's all about the money I'm afraid. Even if games are played behind closed doors there would still need to be numerous medical people there who would obviously be better deployed elsewhere.

Yep and there will be a lot of pressure to cancel with the precedent set in Europe.

[ratedj]

Seems to me that the Premier League want to continue but with matches played (initially they say) behind closed doors. They are talking of starting again in early June(!) (there is a meeting with the government and clubs tomorrow by all accounts). Whether the government will allow this, who knows? Sky were even talking the other day of having a "piped" atmosphere option for television viewers! It looks like Sky and BT Sport seem to want to resume at all costs to me though. As ever with the Premier League, it's all about the money I'm afraid. Even if games are played behind closed doors there would still need to be numerous medical people there who would obviously be better deployed elsewhere.

In this instance both need each other, which is likely why the desire for football to return is being driven by the clubs and the TV companies.  One thing this pandemic has done is it has exposed the flaws in the make-up of many PL clubs whose expenditure is largely influenced by the TV money. Personally I think both parties are flogging a dead horse. The problem is that if more European leagues decide to cancel their season whilst the Premier League decides otherwise it will be left out of synch with the remainder of the continent. This will be an issue with regard to starting the 2020/21 season. One thing for certain is that things are going to get messy!

[WARSZAWA16]

There were plans to restart the German league next weekend on 9 May but that has been pushed back to "at least 16 May" now.

[WARSZAWA16]

Sergio Aguero: Players "scared" about Premier League return. Article also goes on to mention tomorrow's meeting etc. too:

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[tightfoot69]

You would think the leagues would have some type of rule in place in case a season cannot be completed. But that does not seem to be the case. Points per game seems the fairest but you can imagine relegated teams threatening court cases.

Matches behind closed doors are awful so I would just cancel football until early next year when fans will hopefully be back and resume where we left it. Basically a 2019-2021 season.

Obviously the lower league clubs would have to be financially supported to stay in business.

[Blackpool Rock]

You would think the leagues would have some type of rule in place in case a season cannot be completed. But that does not seem to be the case. Points per game seems the fairest but you can imagine relegated teams threatening court cases.

Matches behind closed doors are awful so I would just cancel football until early next year when fans will hopefully be back and resume where we left it. Basically a 2019-2021 season.

Obviously the lower league clubs would have to be financially supported to stay in business.

Yeah i'm guessing that there isn't a clear rule / guidance in their rules or that the rules are open to interpretation or challenge.
Average points per game would seem the fairest way if the season can't be completed, no contest for deciding who are the winners but it does have consequences for relegation and i'm not sure about the Champions league / Europa places.
Perhaps those with a case that they could have avoided relegation or could have qualified for Europe etc should get extra financial compensation.

As stated Sky and BT are desperate to get going again due to the amount of cash involved in the English game, this does cloud the decision on doing what's right and other leagues / sports perhaps don't have this same pressure to the same extent.

Playing behind closed doors at least initially seems to make sense but as you say it's a bit shit with no fans or atmosphere.
The broadcasters could dub crown noise but i've also been thinking that they could pipe background noise through the stadia PA systems, imagine the home PA system guy booing every decision / tackle to try and influence the officials 
Also they could rig something up that looks like a crowd in a similar way that Arsenal had a painted crowd wall years back during their ground renovation, apparently Man Utd are considering putting dummies in the seats so nobody will be able to tell them apart from the normal fans 

[mr.bluesky]

Would these dummies have to be bought in from all over the country ( every where except Manchester) for the sake of realism   

[Blackpool Rock]

Would these dummies have to be bought in from all over the country ( every where except Manchester) for the sake of realism   

Yes the actual Mancunian ones are all allocated to the Etihad I believe 

[hornyguylondon]

Blow up dolls would be more useful 

[The Film Director]

As stated Sky and BT are desperate to get going again due to the amount of cash involved in the English game, this does cloud the decision on doing what's right and other leagues / sports perhaps don't have this same pressure to the same extent.

+1 - I would be pissing myself laughing at the twats, if it wasn't so potentially tragic. 

[WARSZAWA16]

+1 - I would be pissing myself laughing at the twats, if it wasn't so potentially tragic. 

Indeed. All best summed up by a comment I saw somewhere earlier, "wealth before health".

[hornyguylondon]

Playing behind closed doors at least initially seems to make sense but as you say it's a bit shit with no fans or atmosphere.

That worked well for Italy in March 

So we're saying the players have to be isolated to ensure they don't catch anything for the period before and during the games that remain. Good luck with that given their recent record !

Notwithstanding the fans who may congregate together to watch on TV.

Cannot believe there is any justification for playing the matches, other than Premier League financials.

[WARSZAWA16]

Cannot believe there is any justification for playing the matches, other than Premier League financials.

Yes, that's what's driving it. If the truth be known most of the clubs have already spent, or at least budgeted for, their Sky and BT Sport money. It's beginning to smack a bit like desperation now. Gary Neville (with his Sky hat on no doubt) was even suggesting earlier playing the matches abroad!

[hornyguylondon]

Yes, that's what's driving it. If the truth be known most of the clubs have already spent, or at least budgeted for, their Sky and BT Sport money. It's beginning to smack a bit like desperation now. Gary Neville (with his Sky hat on no doubt) was even suggesting earlier playing the matches abroad!

  I'm sure they would love to have Kyle Walker et al in their country 

[The Film Director]

I would be interested see them give all the players a vote on it ..... highly unlikely, I suspect.

[WARSZAWA16]

Premier League clubs discuss 'tentative moves forward' in plans to resume season:

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Seems like common sense has gone out of the window in their desperation to resume.

ESPN say there will be a vote on 8 May:

According to the ESPN report,  government instruction is important to take the next step in planning football’s return.
Many have proposed the idea of finishing the remaining games behind closed doors at neutral venues where there is less risk of spreading the virus.
However, this idea was opposed by a number of clubs in Friday’s meeting due to concerns about integrity of competition with a lack of home advantage.
Regardless, it appears May 8 could be a key date in the diaries where we may finally find out a little more on any proposed plans being made.

[threechilliman]

Premier League clubs discuss 'tentative moves forward' in plans to resume season:

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Seems like common sense has gone out of the window in their desperation to resume.

I didn't know there was any common sense in football. They do seem desperate to get it completed - I wonder what the players must think?