Bosses discuss lock-out

PREMIER League 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 be played without fans as coronavirus spreads. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden (inset) said there was no reason to shut out spectators. But football bosses attending a high-level meeting in London yesterday have been told that while there is no immediate threat to games, they have to be prepared.

Premier League bosses, the FA and representatives from other sports were summoned to the

meeting along with broadcasters.

The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport later issued a statement which said: “Based upon the current scientific advice from the Government’s medical experts there is no rationale to close or cancel sporting events as things stand. We will remain in regular dialogue with sports governing bodies and broadcasters, ensuring they are in receipt of the most up to date guidance from the health authorities.”

It is believed those at the meeting discussed playing behind closed doors, limiting fan numbers and also stopping over-70s from going to games because they would be more vulnerable to the virus.

But such a ban would be difficult to enforce and would probably rely on self-policing.

It is believed the FA may be open to lifting restrictions on live TV coverage of games at 3pm on Saturdays if fans were locked out but neither that or matches being shown free-to-air was discussed. Several clubs have banned players from attending community events, signing autographs and even taking selfies with fans, while both the Premier League and the Football League have banned prematch handshakes.