‘Beggars belief’ – Neil Warnock delivers verdict on Leeds & West Brom season after key vote
Neil Warnock has said it “beggars belief” that Leeds United and West Brom might not get to play out the remaining games in the Championship.
The former Leeds manager – not a popular figure at Elland Road – was on the Breakfast show on talkSPORT (Thursday, 8.30am) with Alan Brazil.
He was asked whether Wednesday’s National League vote to end the season early could happen in the Championship.
“I hope not,” Warnock said. “I think even the National League, they should finish when this is all over. I can’t see why they can’t finish as and when the country can let it happen.
“I don’t agree with the cancelling thing. It’s the easy option. They should leave it until it’s impossible to play on.
“I think it’s fairer to finish the season. The likes of Leeds and West Brom… it beggars belief that their season might not finish. Even if it means finishing it in September.”
There are big differences between the National League and the EFL, not least financial considerations and contract complications.
However, it’s not impossible to see a scenario where a similar vote might take place.
Professor Chris Whitty – the UK’s chief medic – said some form of social distancing would need to be in place until the end of the year.
It means special plans would need to be made and approved for football, a contact sport where social distancing is obviously impossible.
However, all plans are still being made for the season to finish. And, like Warnock, we desperately hope the season can be completed on the pitch.
A UEFA meeting later on Thursday is expected to re-iterate the desire for domestic seasons to finish by August, to enable the Europa League and Champions League to play out.
How far down the football pyramid can special exceptions be made, though?
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