Sports fans put coronavirus fears to one side as they flock to non-League games with no Premier League action on as queues snake around the block… while more than 10,000 head to Uttoxeter races
- Sports fans are limited for choice this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic
- Professional football has been suspended as has the Six Nations this week
- Spectators have flocked to Uttoxeter Races and non-league football however
- Uttoxeter chief David MacDonald expects there to be over 10,000 punters
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Fans have flocked in their droves to the few sporting events on show this Saturday as punters went to Uttoxeter Races while football fans go to non-League games amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This past week has seen a rapid escalation in the number of positive cases of coronavirus in the UK, as the world comes to grips with the spread of the deadly disease.
On Friday, professional English football was suspended until at least April 3, following in the footsteps of the Six Nations and NBA in moving to suspend action until further notice.
Sports fans have flocked in their droves to the few remaining sports events this weekend
Due to the coronavirus, professional football in England has moved to cancel games
In Rugby, the Six Nations has also been postponed due to the spread of the deadly virus
However, non-league football is still going ahead with action in the National League
However, not all sports have been called off as of yet. The National League is still going ahead this weekend, with six games on show across the country.
Sportsmail’s Adam Shergold was in Newcastle this afternoon to report on Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
However, with that contest postponed, fans have wandered down the road for the National League North game between South Shields and FC United.
Uttoxeter racing is still going ahead with the BHA confirming the sport is still open
Uttoxeter racecourse chief David MacDonald expects over 10,000 punters at the races
Meanwhile, the horse racing hasn’t stopped following the action at Cheltenham this week, with punters flocking to Uttoxeter for the races this weekend.
The British Horseracing Authority said that they would follow the government’s guidelines and keep the sport open until told otherwise.
Executive Director of Uttoxeter Racing, David MacDonald, revealed that more than 10,000 spectators would be at the races this weekend.
‘I have to say it’s not been the easiest of weeks,’ he said. ‘It’s been difficult. We’ve not known whether we’d be racing or not.
Extra precautions have been put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus
‘The eyes of the world are on us, lots of football fans will be coming down. We think it will be a huge crowd, definitely over 10,000.
‘Extra precautions are in place, lots of hand sanitizers, lots of toilets and sink basins to wash hands, soap everywhere. We want everyone to come, have a good time and be safe.’
On Friday night, rugby league fans turned out to watch Salford Red Devils come from behind to beat Wigan Warriors, with the RFL also following the guidelines of the government to allow the sport to continue.