I think the question 'how to end the season?' really depends on the decision taken.

If the decision is to award Liverpool the title the answer is to focus on the asterisk beside their name in the history book and state that it is a sporting achievement on a par with my secondary school badminton bronze medal.

If the decision is to make the season null and void then the answer is a celebratory barbecue with booze, loud music and the finest steaks since Shergar went missing.

14 hours ago, Argo said:

It only really has that effect if you're fixated with the August-May calendar which has already been compromised with this virus and the next world cup anyway.

I just don't personally think a void is fair. I'm not even talking about Liverpool as out of all the clubs that will suffer they probably will the less as they're still overwhelming favourites next season regardless, in the grand scheme of things it will just be a minor irritation to them.

I'm talking about the likes of Sheffield United, their long term future likely depends on their position this season. Get CL football (even Europa) they have funds to truly build and make themselves a long term top half team in the PL, however a voided season means they are back to square one, technically a newly promoted team but every chance they will be deflated, suffer second season syndrome and back down they go for another decade. They have CL football in their hands, they deserve the chance to play those final games and see through what they started.

If the seasons voided Spurs and Arsenal will get rewarded with CL football despite both having their worst season for years ahead of Leicester and Sheffield United who have had superb season's and as it stands are both in (factoring SHU game in hand), how is that even remotely fair? Let's not forget the free money the likes of Norwich will get on top of that.

I don't know how they will do it, but somehow for the integrity of the sports and so clubs like Sheffield don't unwarrantly suffer long term damage, this season has to be finished somehow.

Argo no matter what teams are going to suffer, it's already happened. Yep, clubs like Sheffield and many lower league clubs are going to suffer, the ones that made big progress this season and clubs that are surviving day by day on finances. As much of a dick head this sounds, I wont pretend that I'm not enjoying the idea of Liverpool not winning the league, but I'm putting that aside in this debate, and I just can't see a feasible way of how we get this season finished without causing a big stifle for years to come. If we postpone next season at the expense of rushin this season out, that's going to f**k up things, no matter what clubs are going to get screwed over, but I think voiding it causes a shorter effect than playing it out. 

 

7 hours ago, Slojo said:

Argo no matter what teams are going to suffer, it's already happened. Yep, clubs like Sheffield and many lower league clubs are going to suffer, the ones that made big progress this season and clubs that are surviving day by day on finances. As much of a dick head this sounds, I wont pretend that I'm not enjoying the idea of Liverpool not winning the league, but I'm putting that aside in this debate, and I just can't see a feasible way of how we get this season finished without causing a big stifle for years to come. If we postpone next season at the expense of rushin this season out, that's going to f**k up things, no matter what clubs are going to get screwed over, but I think voiding it causes a shorter effect than playing it out. 

Honestly Liverpool rarely enter my train of thought here. I made peace with the fact they are winning the league ever since Wolves won at The Ethiad and like I said in the previous post out of all the clubs that will suffer from this they will by far suffer the less in the grand scheme of things. As much as I hate to say it that squad are determined f**kers, losing the league with 97 points lit a fire in them and their title being voided will only serve to do it to an even greater extent most likely. The likes of Sheffield have my sympathy.

Things are already f**ked up and it will probably take a few years to get things back to "normal", unless we inadvertedly like whatever the new normal is and stick to it long term. Ultimately every situation now has it's sticky point, semi pro/ amatuer league's being voided are already facing law suits, and ending the league the way it is would be an even worse decision. Finishing out the season and working out the rest later is by far the less complicated out of all complicated flawed solutions. Also what has to be factored is the chances of the virus returning, atleast getting one season safely finished is a much preferable course of action than having two voids on the spin.

Also the screenshot I'm posting below demonstrates exactly why voiding won't be done unless it becomes an absolute last resort, rightly or wrongly. I personally think it will take minimum two backfired attempts at restarting the season before it's even put on the table as a legit option, and even then they will exhaust every other possible option before pressing the button.

Edited March 31, 20206 yr by Argo

57 minutes ago, Argo said:

Honestly Liverpool rarely enter my train of thought here. I made peace with the fact they are winning the league ever since Wolves won at The Ethiad and like I said in the previous post out of all the clubs that will suffer from this they will by far suffer the less in the grand scheme of things. As much as I hate to say it that squad are determined f**kers, losing the league with 97 points lit a fire in them and their title being voided will only serve to do it to an even greater extent most likely. The likes of Sheffield have my sympathy.

Things are already f**ked up and it will probably take a few years to get things back to "normal", unless we inadvertedly like whatever the new normal is and stick to it long term. Ultimately every situation now has it's sticky point, semi pro/ amatuer league's being voided are already facing law suits, and ending the league the way it is would be an even worse decision. Finishing out the season and working out the rest later is by far the less complicated out of all complicated flawed solutions. Also what has to be factored is the chances of the virus returning, atleast getting one season safely finished is a much preferable course of action than having two voids on the spin.

Also the screenshot I'm posting below demonstrates exactly why voiding won't be done unless it becomes an absolute last resort, rightly or wrongly. I personally think it will take minimum two backfired attempts at restarting the season before it's even put on the table as a legit option, and even then they will exhaust every other possible option before pressing the button.

Those figures are failing to consider the real situation, it doesn't take into account that people are cancelling their tv subscriptions in their thousands with no sport to watch. Having empty stadiums playing football for the next 9 games wouldn't solve that, people will still cancel subscriptions, i have cancelled all of mine, whats the point paying for nothing other than replays or at best empty stadiums with a game on the pitch. That's where the money is lost, not at the turnstiles.

I think those of you who had accepted Liverpool's title should be ashamed of yourselves. There have been too many great comebacks in football history to be given out prizes early.

 

Losses of form

Injuries

Earth stopping plague

 

I had all of them on my Xmas list.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Argo said:

Honestly Liverpool rarely enter my train of thought here. I made peace with the fact they are winning the league ever since Wolves won at The Ethiad and like I said in the previous post out of all the clubs that will suffer from this they will by far suffer the less in the grand scheme of things. As much as I hate to say it that squad are determined f**kers, losing the league with 97 points lit a fire in them and their title being voided will only serve to do it to an even greater extent most likely. The likes of Sheffield have my sympathy.

Things are already f**ked up and it will probably take a few years to get things back to "normal", unless we inadvertedly like whatever the new normal is and stick to it long term. Ultimately every situation now has it's sticky point, semi pro/ amatuer league's being voided are already facing law suits, and ending the league the way it is would be an even worse decision. Finishing out the season and working out the rest later is by far the less complicated out of all complicated flawed solutions. Also what has to be factored is the chances of the virus returning, atleast getting one season safely finished is a much preferable course of action than having two voids on the spin.

Also the screenshot I'm posting below demonstrates exactly why voiding won't be done unless it becomes an absolute last resort, rightly or wrongly. I personally think it will take minimum two backfired attempts at restarting the season before it's even put on the table as a legit option, and even then they will exhaust every other possible option before pressing the button.

 

27 minutes ago, coco said:

Those figures are failing to consider the real situation, it doesn't take into account that people are cancelling their tv subscriptions in their thousands with no sport to watch. Having empty stadiums playing football for the next 9 games wouldn't solve that, people will still cancel subscriptions, i have cancelled all of mine, whats the point paying for nothing other than replays or at best empty stadiums with a game on the pitch. That's where the money is lost, not at the turnstiles.

It would be interesting to know how the figures have been reached. Are they based solely on lost revenues from television broadcasts or do they also include monies lost from gate receipts and money spent in club shops and in food and drink outlets in grounds? As Coco has written, money lost through lost TV coverage and subscriptions is more than that taken at the turnstiles.

If the season isn't cancelled and games are played behind closed doors does that mean that fans of clubs are entitled to money e.g. refunds on season tickets for not being able to go to a game. I have a season ticket in the MHU and that costs £880. I have calculated that if I am recompensed for the four remaining home games I am due £185. Assuming that there are 20,000 season ticket holders at Chelsea and everyone pays the same amount for a ST that is a refund of £3.7 million. Of course that figure is not accurate as some people pay more for an adult season ticket and there will be some who pay less i.e. they are under 20 or over 65. A lot of Premier League clubs will probably be able to write-off that amount but other clubs will probably struggle to pay refunds. I haven't read the terms and conditions of season ticket refunds so it is possible that refunds will not be paid or only a percentage e.g. 50%

If games are played behind closed doors and are televised it will be strange e.g. lack of atmosphere. I'm sure we've all watched games where there are no fans normally due to bad behaviour by supporters. If the games are played behind closed doors there will be loads of players, support staff, employees of broadcasters and other media companies and workers from the medical services in case a footballer is injured. As I posted above why should ambulance staff for example be there when they should be looking after people. Footballers are not providing an essential service and are certainly not key workers. Also with all these players etc. in one or a small number of arenas is there not a increased chance of spreading the virus. Travelling to a stadium is not an essential journey.

As has been posted by a number of people, there is no easy answer to this but I think that we have to put football into perspective.

Could be that ultimately tv companies will decide it for us just as they decide everything else these days with no regard to fans

Jeez this is spot on re: Liverpool being give the title

https://twitter.com/nomifooty/status/1240333617005580289?s=09

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52104200

Premier League and English Football League clubs are set to discuss a collective wage deferral agreement at a meeting with the Professional Footballers' Association on Wednesday.

The proposal is one option to help clubs facing financial struggles during the coronavirus crisis.

Professional football in England has been suspended until 30 April at the earliest because of the pandemic.

It is widely accepted that a return is likely to come at a later date.

The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) are both committed to finishing the season but have said they will resume "only when it is safe and conditions allow".

• 'The only certainty is the uncertainty' - what next for football?

On 18 March, the EFL said it would release a £50m fund to help its clubs cover shortfalls this month. Wednesday's meeting will now focus on how to cover April's costs without any football.

Premier League clubs are also conscious that not finishing the season could mean they owe broadcasters about £760m.

Talks will centre on whether clubs need to defer wages among players and if a collective agreement can be reached. It is also understood the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) will ask clubs if wage deferrals are justified in some cases.

Players at Championship leaders Leeds United have already volunteered to take a wage deferral, while Birmingham City's players who earn more than £6,000 a week have also been asked to take a 50% cut for the next four months.

But the PFA is urging other clubs to involve the union and for a collective approach to be taken.

There are also understood to be reservations from other clubs who feel they have been more careful with their finances and do not want to be forced into a generic agreement.

Wednesday's meeting will discuss cash flow data from clubs and consider any updates issued by Fifa and Uefa, the world and European governing bodies, who are also set to meet earlier on Wednesday.

That meeting will look at matters such as player contracts and the transfer system, which could impact English football.

The PFA is also set to meet the Football Association about the future of women's football in England.

Currently, the professional Women's Super League and semi-professional Championship are also suspended until 30 April.

So Tottenham have given their non playing staff a 20% pay drop, but not taken anything of the players. How is that fair in any way? Take from the poor bastards who serve drinks on just over minimum wage but leave the millionaire footballers alone.

1 hour ago, dkw said:

So Tottenham have given their non playing staff a 20% pay drop, but not taken anything of the players. How is that fair in any way? Take from the poor bastards who serve drinks on just over minimum wage but leave the millionaire footballers alone.

You would have thought Levy would have been first to set the precedent!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52092442

The three divisions of England's National League have been suspended indefinitely because of coronavirus.

Money talks unfortunately. The clubs and tv companies will find a solution that benefits them. 

7 hours ago, Spiller86 said:

Jeez this is spot on re: Liverpool being give the title

https://twitter.com/nomifooty/status/1240333617005580289?s=09

Jesus that woman and bloke on the right are smug bellends. Saying Liverpool have won the league because they're 25 points ahead, well no in football anythign can happen. The virus could wipe out half of Liverpool's team and City pinch it in the end.

Void the season, no promotion and no relagetions. Start again next season.

Edited March 31, 20206 yr by RIP Mourinho

27 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Jesus that woman and bloke on the right are smug bellends. Saying Liverpool have won the league because they're 25 points ahead, well no in football anythign can happen. The virus could wipe out half of Liverpool's team and City pinch it in the end.

Void the season, no promotion and no relagetions. Start again next season.

In fairness they could play the last 9 games 2 trillion times and the title will have the same outcome.

13 hours ago, Argo said:

In fairness they could play the last 9 games 2 trillion times and the title will have the same outcome.

 

14 hours ago, Argo said:

In fairness they could play the last 9 games 2 trillion times and the title will have the same outcome.

Unless the 9 games are finished, this season can't be ended with any winners or losers. Not just Liverpool winning the title, got the think about the teams at the bottom that would be fighting until the last day of the season.

Bring back the Pools Panel

Fifpro,the players union are negotiating to extend players contracts to the "new end to the season"

UEFA and clubs are maintaining their focus on finishing their seasons as to do otherwise would leave a " black hole for broadcasters and sponsors ". Guardian report today.

I just knew TV and sponsors will be the ones to decide what happens, they dictate everything else to the detriment of the fans, we don't figure in their thinking at sll.

Premier League clubs in 'moral vacuum' and players should sacrifice salary - politicians - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52120578

3 minutes ago, Boyne said:

Premier League clubs in 'moral vacuum' and players should sacrifice salary - politicians - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52120578

43 minutes ago, Boyne said:

Premier League clubs in 'moral vacuum' and players should sacrifice salary - politicians - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52120578

For once i agree with the politicians. 

1 hour ago, Boyne said:

Premier League clubs in 'moral vacuum' and players should sacrifice salary - politicians - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52120578

The irony meter has just broke.

Edited April 1, 20206 yr by Argo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52121463

All Champions League and Europa League matches have been suspended "until further notice" by Uefa because of the global coronavirus pandemic.

All national team games in June have also been postponed, including play-off matches for Euro 2020 - already postponed to 2021 - and qualifying matches for the Women's Euro 2021.

The European governing body's 55 member associations met on Wednesday.

The Premier League is suspended until at least 30 April.

The Euro 2020 play-offs are set to feature Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

Wimbledon is officially cancelled now. So every sporting event is over, only the Premier League somehow doesn't want to announce it.