Hammers boss David Moyes is deeply worried that coronavirus could force the game to be played behind closed doors.
As further cases are diagnosed in Britain, the Premier League is known to be carefully monitoring the situation and what measures to introduce should the virus spread.
Moyes was speaking out after further moves to avoid large gatherings continuing to meet were brought in in Italy and France.
France has now called a halt to allowing any event of over 5,000 people.
Meanhile Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has banned his players from signing autographs and having selfies taken to minimise contact with fans.
And with five Serie A matches in Italy yesterday postponed until May, fears are growing that a similar scenario could soon hit Britan.
Moyes is reported in The Sun as saying: “If football is going behind closed doors it is not worth it because football is for supporters. Football is for fans. That is what it is for.
“We are trying to treat it seriously. The more you wash your hands the more you don’t mix in company where you could be infected.
“I was disappointed that Inter vs Juventus was called off. For that to be called off in the world we live in, in football, is a real shame.
“I hope we can find a way of not letting it spread and overcoming what is going on.”
ClaretandHugh says: I’m really not sure why David Moyes should decide to issue such a statement when those with respiratory diseases – notably the aged – could die should they be hit by this disease which has the potential to go worldwide. Yes, football and all sport is important but not to the point where lives should be put at risk. Like Moyes we of course all hope that the problem can be contained but should it not be then whatever the world’s health organisations, and their experts decide is necessary, should surely be followed through. oy Hodgson was much closer to the point when saying: “You’re talking about a medical issue that will be dealt with by the FA and the Premier League. We need to follow our own doctors’ advice so we keep ourselves as free from the virus as much as we can.”
Certainly agree with that statement whatever is necessary by those that know what they are talking about needs to be followed imo
I think what Moyes should be saying is rather postpone the matches until an all clear can be given. Any kind of football behind closed doors is anathema to loyal supporters and will lead to questions about the integrity of the game and worries about possible dishonesty or manipulation in the absence of a critical public.
thanks Bill. IT CONFUSED ME