Euro sports are gripped by chaos
COVID-19 fears see axe fall on big events
EUROPEAN football’s been plunged into chaos after the Champions League was hit by the coronavirus crisis – and the Premier League could be next.
The health crisis has led to doubts over Chelsea’s trip to Bayern Munich next week as more ties face being played behind closed doors while fears grow about the whole competition.
And Italian authorities have suspended all sport until April 3.
Back in Britain EPL clubs have been told to make contingency plans for playing games behind closed doors.
There is a growing feeling among top-flight clubs that games will end up being played without fans as the disease continues to spread.
Football bosses attended the Department of Culture, Media and
Sport coronavirus meeting in London on Monday and, while there is no immediate threat to games, they have been told to be prepared.
The move comes as more sports were affected by the deadly virus with France’s Six Nations clash with Ireland postponed, there are doubts over Wimbledon as LTA chiefs were invited to Monday’s Government meeting while the Indian Wells tournament in California has also been called off.
Wolves fans were angry after starting their journey to Athens for the Europa League tie with Olympiacos just as UEFA announced the game would be played behind closed doors.
PSG’s return tie with Borussia Dortmund tomorrow will also be played behind closed doors with Valencia’s tie with Atalanta also to be played with no fans while Juventus and Napoli face return games despite Italy being under lockdown. The entire country is effectively being held in quarantine.
That has also thrown doubt on England’s Wembley friendly with Italy on March 27.
Spurs game with RB Leipzig tonight does go ahead with 2,000 English fans expected but only after top-level talks.