CALLED OFF
Football matches are put on hold
FOOTBALL games at local as well as national level have now been put on hold.
In the Betvictor Northern Premier League Division One East, which features Loughborough Dynamo, the league has decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid19 outbreak.
A spokesperson said: “The league would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures.
“Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.
“In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.
“The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality.
“The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.
“As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters.”
The Uhlsport United
Counties
League - which features Shepshed Dynamo, Quorn and Loughborough Uni FC - is also affected.
Alan Poulain, UCL chairman, said: “Having listened to the first briefing by the Prime Minister regarding the current status of the Coronavirus the League directors and myself have taken the responsible decision to pause the League until further notice.
“We are pausing the league rather than suspending, with an end date, so that we can react to changing circumstances better than if we keep moving the end date.
“The main reasons for pausing the League is that by playing or facilitating football we are furthering social interaction, which has been recommended to be avoided, and which the playing of football would have encouraged.
“The second reason is that our clubs, many of whom are assisted by an ageing workforce, may not also have sufficient resounces to continue. People over the age of 70 will by the end of the week be subjected to a ‘lengthy stay at home policy’.
“I ask you all to stay safe during this pandemic, do as we are all told by keeping your distance or avoiding social contact so that we can over come this virus quicker.
“Thank you for your patience and support.”
The East Midlands Counties League has pause the league until further notice and the Leicestershire Senior League has suspend all fixtures with immediate effect until further notice.
Youth matches are also being suspended.