MOT View: PL board member delivers message that could have huge impact on Leeds run-in
Everton board member Sasha Ryazantsev has said it is “likely” that Premier League games will be played behind closed doors in the “coming weeks”.
If that happens then it’s almost certain that the EFL will follow suit, meaning that key games in the Leeds run-in, if not the rest of the season, will see fans shut out and the games played in an empty stadium.
The threat of the Coronavirus is still growing and the first death in the UK was recorded on Thursday as cases grew to 116.
Serie A games for the next 30 days at least will be played behind closed doors with Italy trying to deal with the worst outbreak in Europe.
Talking to the FT Business of Football Summit in London, Everton board member Ryazantsev said, “Of course, nobody wants to play behind closed doors and I don’t think it’s inevitable at the moment that it will happen. But we feel it is quite likely it may happen in the coming weeks. If it were to happen it is not about the money, but looking after our supporters. I believe they would understand that.”
There would be an obvious financial impact to Leeds but the footballing fall-out will be far more severe.
It’s a unique situation but playing in front of empty stadiums will change the dynamics of games. We’ve seen how odd it is when internationals have been played behind closed doors and it’s extremely tough for the players.
Will it affect every team in the same way? Supporters might joke that certain teams wouldn’t be able to tell any difference, but it’s fair to say that Leeds have the most passionate and vociferous fans in the Championship.
Even if it doesn’t directly affect Leeds on the pitch, it’s possible that the fans will miss out on one of the most important-runs in for a generation.
Seeing Leeds United get promoted is something fans have dreamed of and having to watch it happen on TV will be a punishment rather than a privilege.
Ryazantsev is right of course – fans will understand and containing Cornoavrius is way more important than football. But it looks like the Leeds battle for promotion is going to have one last and rather unexpected hurdle to contend with.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds have left Bielsa out to dry and it is not acceptable