Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder calls for delay to football season over coronavirus

The Football Association is following advice from the British Government regarding the staging of sporting events, with the Prime Minister due to lead a Cobra meeting on Thursday lunchtime.

Ministers are expected to agree at that meeting to move into the ‘delay’ stage of the response against the virus, with 460 confirmed cases in the UK.

Moving to the delay stage would mean social distancing measures could be brought in, such as restricting public gatherings like major sporting events and issuing more widespread advice to stay at home.

Wilder believes that it is ‘inevitable’ that football matches will be played in front of empty stadiums and is preparing for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Newcastle United at the 50,000-plus capacity St James’ Park to be played in front of a deserted arena.

On whether he will back a delay, Wilder, who confirmed that the club expect another senior Blades player to sign a contract extension later today, said: “Yes, I would. For me, the game is nothing without the supporters.

“From different parts of the game, from administrations to officials to players, we all do it for a reason. But the biggest reason is to play in front of supporters and the buzz and excitement that they bring to to the game.

“Of course, if there’s no punters in the stadium, it is a huge, huge blow and one I am not looking forward to.

“I think it is coming, definitely. I wouldn’t be surprised if in 24 to 48 hours something happens at Newcastle.

“We have been kept up to date by the chief executive and medical staff who have been on the ball with regular updates as much as they possibly can.

“It would be hugely disappointing from a sporting point of view and ours in being involved in games potentially behind closed doors, which could happen. It would be deeply disappointing.

“We’d accept everything that the authorities, the experts on the virus and what they need to do to contain it to delay it. Whatever, we will respect that.

“From my point of view, I am a 100 per cent football man and want to see packed stadiums, This part of the season is very exciting with the position that we find ourselves in - doing well in the league and in the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

“We are going up to a new, brilliant place to play (in Newcastle) to watch and experience the atmosphere and environment of 50,000 Geordies screaming down the back of your neck. It is testing for players and we enjoy it as well.”