Former Manchester United full back Gary Neville feels that it’s far too soon to consider playing matches behind closed doors.
All games in England are suspended until at least April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Several games have already been played behind closed doors, including Manchester United’s and Wolves’ Europa League ties against Lask and Olympiakos respectively.
Neville has explained why it’s too premature to play games behind closed doors.
“There are a lot of things to happen before we contemplate behind closed doors,” Neville told BBC 5 Live Breakfast.
“I said no on this about three or four weeks ago because I felt that it takes away from the essence of football.
“I also felt that EFL (English Football League) clubs and non-league clubs would suffer too much from the revenue loss and it would put them under.
“At the moment, the behind closed doors idea has got to come only after the health priority.
Various ideas have already been spoken about how to best end the season, with some quarters feeling that Leeds and West Brom should be given promotion, with no relegation from the Premier League, causing a 22 team Premier League next season.
This year’s European Championships has also been moved back a year to 2021, to allow space for the Premier League and other major European leagues to finish the season this summer if possible.
Under usual conditions, the league would need to end of 1 June, however, due to the pandemic, the FA have agreed that the season will be”extended indefinitely”.
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