Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Salford City co-owner Gary Neville have called for the football season to be suspended instead of staging games without fans as the spread of coronavirus sparks fear across Britain.
Premier League football matches are expected to take place as normal across England this weekend despite all domestic Italian football off until April 3 and games in Spain to be held behind closed doors for at least two weeks.
But tonight’s Manchester City v Arsenal match has been postponed after Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted coronavirus and visited the Emirates Stadium in London on February 27.
Guardiola said, ahead of the postponement which was announced overnight, that suspending the season makes more sense than staging games without fans – likening empty stadiums to theatres with no spectators.
And Neville, co-owner of League Two club Salford, has said the EFL season should be delayed rather than matches continuing behind closed doors ‘to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive’.
BBC Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also tweeted: ‘Can’t help feeling like it’s the beginning of the end of the football season. Despite the words of the late Bill Shankly, football is not more serious than life and death.’
Andy Holt, chairman of League One outfit Accrington Stanley, has already stated he wanted to ‘pause games and review’ in all football competitions while the threat of spreading coronavirus is coronavirus.
And Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford tweeted: ‘Football is the fans…period. But the safety and well-being of our fans has to come first. Without you, we’re nothing. If you’re not feeling well, call 111 for advice.’
However, the Premier League has so far insisted it has no plans to postpone any other matches and ‘all necessary measures are being taken’, with Arsenal’s visit to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday still set to go ahead.
In other sports, the France v Ireland and Italy v England games in rugby’s Six Nations have been postponed, five European Tour golf tournaments were called off and the BNP Paribas Open tennis at Indian Wells was postponed.
The Cheltenham Festival has gone ahead, but racegoers were told not to attend if they have symptoms or have been to or transited through the high-risk countries, or been in contact with anyone that has, in the last 14 days.
Premier League clubs have held talks with broadcasters about stream live matches free of charge if ordered to stage games behind closed doors by the Government, but there are currently no plans to restrict crowds.
However, contingency plans are being put in place should Public Health England change its advice, with clubs asking to be given as much notice as possible if they are going to be asked to postpone or cancel games.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (left, speaking during a press conference on March 6) and Gary Neville (pictured on Sky Sports during coverage of Liverpool v West Ham United on February 24) have both spoken out about the coronavirus threat
The FA have also raised the possibility of waiving the Saturday 3pm blackout to allow matches kicking off at that time to be streamed or televised, but the Premier League regard that as a dangerous precedent and may object.
Nottingham Forest have been testing players and staff after Marinakis is thought to have shaken hands with every squad member last Friday when they were beaten at home by Millwall in the Championship.
However the club announced today that all of their players and staff have tested negative for the virus.
A Forest spokesman said: ‘Within hours of receiving the news that owner Evangelos Marinakis had tested positive for the virus, the club took swift action to arrange tests for the entire first-team players, staff and officers that came into contact with the owner last week,’ they added in a statement.
‘The club will remain in close dialogue with the relevant governing bodies and football authorities to ensure the correct measures are taken.’
Millwall directors are now self-isolating after meeting Marinakis at the game. Forest’s next fixture is at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, with the South Yorkshire club understood to be in dialogue with Forest and the EFL concerning the match.
There has been talk Premier League and English Football League games could be played behind closed doors but Neville, the joint-owner of Salford, has joined those rejecting that as an alternative.
‘I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors,’ former England and Manchester United defender Neville said on Twitter.
‘If it’s necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive.’
A video shows Evangelos Marinakis – who has contracted coronavirus – celebrating with the Olympiacos players in the dressing room at the Emirates Stadium on February 27 after their victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League
Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (centre) celebrates on the pitch after the UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium in North London on February 27
A video posted by Evangelos Marinakis on February 28 shows him celebrating at the Emirates Stadium in London
Speaking before the news that tonight’s game with Arsenal had been postponed, Guardiola said of playing games behind closed doors: ‘If it’s a short time, one game, then fine. But, if it’s longer, it must be suspended.
‘I would not love to play matches in the Premier League, the Champions League or the cups without the people. We play for the people. If they can’t be there, it makes no sense.
‘It’s like an actor going to the theatre when nobody is there. Who are you acting for that night? There is no reason to play without the people. Football is for the people. But we are going to follow the instructions of the Government.’
City’s home Champions League last 16 second leg against Real Madrid could also be behind closed doors. ‘If UEFA say we have to play without spectators, then we’ll play,’ added Guardiola. ‘Health is the most important thing.’
Marinakis’s announcement on Instagram came as Wolves were pushing UEFA to postpone tomorrow’s Europa League last-16 first leg tie away at Greek side Olympiacos — also owned by Marinakis — rather than playing it behind closed doors.
Olympiacos’ players and staff took tests for the virus, and all have now tested negative.
Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘If we have to go we will, but we don’t agree — we’re not happy to go. Behind closed doors doesn’t make sense. We’re pretending to live a normal life when things aren’t normal.
‘Are we sending the right message to say we’re OK to have contact and fans can’t? It will eventually happen in the Premier League.’
Wolves will respect UEFA’s decision and play their no-spectators match in Athens, but urged the governing body to ‘consider alternative options moving forwards, as this will not be the last fixture to be affected by coronavirus’.
‘Our position is that the trip poses unnecessary risks to our players, staff, supporters and the families of all who travel, at such critical and uncertain times,’ the Wolves statement read, adding the club was also concerned for their opponents’ mental and physical wellbeing.
Olympiacos said none of their players or staff have tested positive for the virus.
A club statement read: ‘Olympiacos FC informs that after the necessary medical examinations of all members of the football department, managers and staff, the tests came out all negative for the COVID-19 virus.’
The Etihad Stadium is pictured this morning after Manchester City v Arsenal was postponed due to coronavirus fears
A notice in Manchester confirms the postponement of tonight’s Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena a week today will be played behind closed doors, and all ticket-holders have been given a full refund.
The Bavarian government has decided to ban events with more than 1,000 visitors until the end of the Easter holidays.
Manchester United also said they would refund fans who had bought tickets for their Europa League match against LASK in Austria tomorrow, which will be played with no fans in attendance.
So too the second leg of Rangers’ Europa League tie at Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, March 19.
Meanwhile Roma announced they will not travel to Spain for their Europa League match against Sevilla tomorrow.
The Italian club tweeted: ‘AS Roma will not go to Spain for the Europa League match against Sevilla due to lack of authorisation from local authorities.’
Manchester United say they are closely monitoring the evolving situation on a day-by-day basis, but as things stand all their home matches are currently scheduled to go ahead as planned.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is understood to not be one of those in self-isolation. Gunners players who did not come into close contact with Marinakis are expected to train tomorrow, while those in isolation will join in on Friday if clear.
Arsenal told MailOnline that the Emirates Stadium changing rooms are ‘100 per cent’ deep cleaned after every game, regardless of any coronavirus threat.
Brighton said their Premier League match against Arsenal at the Amex Stadium this Saturday remains scheduled to go ahead as planned, with the risk considered extremely low.
A Brighton statement read: ‘Albion’s match against Arsenal this Saturday remains scheduled to go ahead as planned, in line with government advice, and following consultation with the Premier League and medical advisors.’
Arsenal added: ‘Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Mr Marinakis a swift recovery and we look forward to the players and staff returning to work on Friday in preparation for our match at Brighton.’
West Ham say their clash with Wolves on Sunday is scheduled to go ahead as planned, although the club are monitoring the situation.
Last Saturday the Hammers played Arsenal. A statement from West Ham read: ‘West Ham United continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the coronavirus outbreak.
‘All necessary measures are being taken and our medical staff, in line with guidance and advice from the relevant authorities, are constantly managing the club’s position, with the safety and welfare of our players, staff and supporters being of paramount importance.
‘After discussions with the Premier League and our medical team, Sunday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at London Stadium is scheduled to go ahead as planned. The club will keep supporters updated should the situation change.’
League One club Portsmouth, who played Arsenal in the FA Cup nine days ago, say they are awaiting further advice.
A club spokesman said: ‘We are in contact with our governing bodies and await further instructions from them. Until then, we will continue to follow government guidelines and adhere to their advice.’
A Football Supporters’ Association spokesman told MailOnline: ‘With a number of European leagues playing games behind-closed-doors speculation has grown about what measures the UK Government may implement.
‘We won’t fuel speculation but we will continue to share information with supporters and update new information via the FSA website.
‘Our primary focus will always be the safety of supporters and, to that end, we’d encourage match-goers to closely follow Public Health England advice.’
A statement about the postponed Manchester City v Arsenal match read: ‘Tonight’s game between Manchester City and Arsenal has been postponed as a precautionary measure following the announcement yesterday that Evangelos Marinakis has contracted Covid-19.
‘Thirteen days ago, Olympiakos played at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League and Mr Marinakis, the Greek club’s owner, met with several Arsenal squad members and staff.
‘Following medical advice, Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC consider it is necessary to postpone their fixture due to be played this evening to give time to fully assess the situation. The Premier League has therefore agreed that tonight’s game will be rearranged.
‘We understand this will cause inconvenience and cost to fans planning to attend the game but Arsenal, Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed that the short notice of Mr Marinakis’ infection means there is no alternative but to take the time to complete a proper assessment of risk.
‘All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches.’
Arsenal, who yesterday said none of its personnel who had met Marinakis had reported symptoms, said ‘a number of players’ were now self-isolating for 14 days and were thus unavailable for tonight’s game, triggering the Premier League’s decision to postpone.
A spokesman said: ‘We have been taking medical advice and tracing any individuals who had what the (Government) guidelines define as close contact with him at the game 13 days ago.
‘As a result of this exercise we identified that a number of players met the Olympiacos owner immediately following the game. The medical advice we have received puts the risk of them developing Covid-19 at extremely low.
‘However, we are strictly following the Government guidelines which recommend that anyone coming into close contact with someone with the virus should self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact.’
Despite Marinakis’ diagnosis and his position at Forest, the English Football League says there is no immediate plans to postpone any fixtures.
The Champions League match between Valencia and Atalanta in the Mestalla takes place in an empty stadium last night after the match was ordered to be played behind closed doors as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world
Waiters wearing masks serve food and drink in a terrace outside the Mestalla during last night’s Champions League match
The Ipurua stadium where the Spanish La Liga match between SD Eibar and Real Sociedad was behind closed doors last night
A Forest statement said Marinakis had shown no symptoms when in Nottingham last week, during which time he attended the club’s home game against Millwall on Friday night and reportedly met with the first-team squad.
Confirming matches across its three divisions would continue as normal for the time being, an EFL statement said: ‘The League is in dialogue to fully ascertain the set of circumstances that existed when Mr Marinakis visited (Forest) last week and in conjunction with the club will make a determination on what measures are to be taken – if any – when full details are known.’
On the international front, the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26 will be played behind closed doors.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina federation has confirmed ticket sales for this month’s Euro 2020 play-off match with Northern Ireland, which were set to go on sale today, have been suspended.
England’s friendly against Italy at Wembley on March 27 is set to go ahead as normal, but Italy’s match against Germany in Nuremberg four days later will be played behind closed doors.
There remains no immediate threat of England’s friendly matches against Italy and Denmark being postponed, according to the Football Association.
The matches, both to be played at Wembley, are due to go ahead on March 27 and 31.
A tweet from the England team account read: ‘At present, and in line with current government advice, nothing has changed regarding the status of our games against Italy and Denmark later this month.
‘We will be sure to inform fans should there be an update.’
France will also play this month’s friendlies at home to Ukraine and Finland without spectators.
The French League Cup final between Paris St Germain and Lyon on April 4 has been postponed.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel announced the two teams’ Ligue 1 matches, which were originally scheduled for that weekend, will now take place behind closed doors.
This afternoon’s Women’s European Championship qualifier between Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland, in Budva, will be played behind closed doors.
The Football Association of Ireland said: ‘The Group I game will still go ahead as planned, with kick-off set for 3pm Irish time, but the decision has been made to close the stadium to members of the general public.’
At least the next two rounds of LaLiga matches will be played without fans while games across the French leagues will be played behind closed doors until April 15, as will the 25th round of fixtures in Portugal’s top-two leagues.
Italy’s Serie A was one of the first leagues to be suspended following the outbreak – and the Italian Football Federation has admitted the season may not be completed.
One possibility they mentioned was to have play-offs to decide the champions and relegation to Serie B.
A second would be to declare the current standings as final — which would result in Juventus winning the title by one point from Lazio, despite the fact the teams were scheduled to play each other once more in a title decider.
An advertisement warning people of the threat from coronavirus at the Leicester City v Aston Villa match on Monday
A hand sanitizer dispenser inside Old Trafford stadium during the Manchester United v Manchester City match on Sunday
An NHS warning on the screen at the Chelsea v Everton Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday
UEFA said it had received no requests from national associations to postpone Euro 2020, which starts in Rome on June 12.
Gary Lineker ‘feels like it’s the beginning of the end of the football season’
BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has said he ‘can’t help feeling like it’s the beginning of the end of the football season’.
The 59-year-old former England captain tweeted his thoughts after the postponement of Manchester City v Arsenal was announced.
He said: ‘Off to Liverpool but can’t help feeling like it’s the beginning of the end of the football season. Despite the words of the late Bill Shankly, football is not more serious than life and death.’
Lineker was also asked whether he would favour postponing Euro 2020, and replied: ‘I’ve no idea. I think we listen to scientific experts and heed their advice.’
He latter added that fighting coronavirus was ‘way more important than football competitions’.
An FA spokesman told MailOnline: ‘We will continue to follow Government advice and no special measures have been proposed at this stage.’
World players’ union FIFPRO has called on competition organisers across the globe to take ‘transparent, reasonable and consistent’ decisions based on government advice in relation to the outbreak.
‘Professional footballers, like other workers, are concerned about themselves and their families and friends being exposed to the coronavirus during their daily lives,’ the statement read.
‘For players, their exposure could come during travel, training and match days. Any actions relating to these activities must be co-ordinated in close co-operation with players and their unions.
‘We ask that employers and competition organisers respect the wishes of players to take short-term precautionary measures including suspending training or competitions.
‘We support the players and their associations who have requested a suspension or postponement of football activities in their countries or regions.’
FIFPRO also called on the football industry to consider ‘extraordinary solidarity payments’ for clubs impacted by postponements or matches being played behind closed doors.
Elsewhere, a member of McLaren’s Formula One team is in self-isolation after being tested for coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix.
It is understood that the team member reported symptoms associated with the disease in the Albert Park paddock this morning.
England cricketers, meanwhile, have been instructed not to sign autographs or pose for selfies with fans during their Test tour of Sri Lanka in a bid to insulate the squad from the virus.