The Premier League is in the unprecedented situation of having to postpone matches until at least the 3 April, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The league has stated that play will resume on the 4 April subject to “conditions at the time”. Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given his verdict on how to conclude the season given the unforeseen circumstances and warned the division’s decision-makers of the implications of their choices.
What did he say?
Writing in The Sun, the Premier League’s record goalscorer said: “Not completing the season has to be the very last option on the table. Every angle and scenario has to be looked at in order to reach a conclusion, even if that means a long delay.”
Shearer continued to add: “If the season cannot be completed, then there is no way you can have a winner or loser. As horrible as that would be for some clubs, none more so than Liverpool, it is the only outcome.”
Implications of an abrupt end
Should the Premier League call a halt to the season having exhausted the possibility of all other options, as Shearer suggested, deciding the champions and relegated clubs would be an absolute nightmare. Liverpool may be the runaway leaders, but competitors could contest that a late collapse is still a possibility that would not warrant awarding Jurgen Klopp’s side the title prematurely. Furthermore, behind the Reds, there is still a fierce battle raging to see who will qualify for Europe next season. Nobody will want to break the news to Sheffield United that they could miss out on qualification for the Champions League for the first time in the 130-year history, without having played out the full fixture list.
Additionally, at the other end of the table, there is the headache of deciding who goes down. Three teams are deadlocked on 27 points, West Ham United, Watford and A.F.C Bournemouth, separated by goal difference alone and even then just three goals separate the sides. Sending the Cherries back to the Championship would be an incredibly unfair punishment given the teams have not all played the same opposition.
Shearer is right, ending the season now should be the last possible option on the table for the Premier League, but ultimately the safety of fans, players and managers has to be the top priority.
