Covid-19 has got its hands around the worlds neck, we know that. Sport itself is bottom of list of priorities right now. Staying fit, healthy and virus free is all what matters.
What happens over the next few weeks and months as far as football goes is anyone’s guess really although logic would suggest this season is all but over. Any thoughts of an April resumption is a pipe dream I think, but where there is money, sometimes lunacy takes over and let’s face it, football really is about money. Or both. Lol
Promotion to the Premier League might be a giant achievement in itself but no one will ever convince me that the respective clubs owners aren’t rubbing their financial hands together as that special moment draws near. What was it last season, £100 odd million awarded to the clubs who earned promotion to the top league in English football? Yep, even if they gained promotion via the playoffs. Yet the clubs who have remained in the Premiership year after year, never breached the financial rules during the process but instead have relied on hard work and fine management, earn nothing near that kind of figure. ‘The Championship is the ‘hardest league to get out of’ we hear, although try telling that to a few PL sides who fight against relegation season after season.
Securing a top four spot isn’t a great sporting achievement is it? Not unless it’s top spot that is. The remaining three places are all about money. For the players it’s about competing against some of the best clubs in the world, although their agents might see it differently. After all, his/her player must deserve an extra few thousand pounds if he’s playing Champions League football and his contract is due to be renewed.
Reality is, money is extremely high on the football agenda and probably more so than in any other team sport.
So what happens next? Goodness only knows really but a decision will need to be made soon I’d have thought because football and sport in general is in limbo. There’s player contracts to consider should the leagues start up again and matches overrun the expiry date. There are top four places to work out if the season ends before it’s due date, promotion and relegation places, along with league winners together with all the money which gets dished out each season.
To end the season with league positions as they right now would be unfair in my opinion. Illegal even as The Daily already have a headline suggesting the Premier League could face legal action should the season come to a premature end with placements decided as they stand today. I’m sure clubs in lower leagues will be thinking about taking action too, certainly those still in with a chance of avoiding relegation.
Of course it’s highly unlikely Liverpool would lose enough matches to give Man City a chance of winning the league but all the time it’s mathematically possible, there’s an argument against crowning a champion this season should it end early.
Just as there’s an argument just waiting to be had with BT Sport and Sky Sports. Legal action could be taken against them too as I’m sure many of us only add the sports package to our membership so we can watch the football. What is it now, £30 a month for Sky Sports and £25 a month for BT Sport? Unless you have broadband with BT of course, then it’s cheaper but otherwise, many of us could be forking out £55 a month for the next three months for nothing other than repeats or Coronavirus updates. Basically, stuff that’s accessible without the need to pay extra for it. £150 might not sound a lot to many people but just think of the number of loo rolls you could buy with that? Or antibacterial hand-wash or pasta, rice or longlife milk. I know, it’s ridiculous.
Whilst ending the season right now makes absolute sense, to do so without declaring the campaign null and void, could open a massive can of litigation worms.
This is my last word on Coronavirus as we can all find updates on the Internet. Over the next few weeks I’ll look back on seasons gone by so if you want to help out by writing something about your favourite season, please email me.
Catch up in the comments guys.
Fine post Rico.
It has to be null and void, it doesn`t matter how many points Scousers have, the league has to be won on mathematics not sentiment.
Thered have been many amazing comebacks over the years in all sports for instance the Botham Ashes test, Aussies were way out of sight had the virus took hold then and game was abandoned it would have been a draw, not a win for Aussies as they were 1000`s to 1 to win!
If this season cannnot resume in time then Scousers cannot be given title just because they were in front, plus if I am going to die from the Corona Virus then I want to die laughing!…………..obviously that is my second choice of death after heart attack failure in bed with Jennifer Lopez!
😆
My bad………..forgot to add Shakira with J-Lo 😆
Ooops…………..just been informed, my Parrott wants to be involved in the action aswell!
😆
Looks like you’ve scared others off Lc.
Just seen the news about Vertonghen’s family. Thank goodness they’re ok..
I know he can afford it but so can many other sportspeople..
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8113743/Cristiano-Ronaldo-leads-fight-against-coronavirus-converting-hotels-hospitals.html
It’s captain flint’s fault , that parrot has been scaring people for years around the Bodmin area.
As for football it kind of takes a back seat now , it’s quite likely that that some of us might catch it , until yesterday we have had no reports in Norfolk and suddenly 4 appear , all from people coming into the county from outside . I suppose the thought of a boat on a river away from everyone else is appealing but each to their own for 4 months.
?
Just pinched this from a comment on LG.
Some very sound advice here regarding corona virus… From a young researcher who had been transferred from Shenzhen to Wuhan to collaborate with the task force that is fighting the coronavirus epidemic, we receive and willingly transmit to all of this clear, simple and accessible information, which describe exactly what it is. the virus, how it transfers from one person to another and how it can be neutralized in everyday life.
Corona virus infection does not cause a cold with a dripping nose or catarrhal cough, but a dry and dry cough: this is the easiest thing to know. The virus does not resist heat and dies if exposed to temperatures of 26-27 degrees: therefore often consume hot drinks such as tea, herbal tea and broth during the day, or simply hot water: hot liquids neutralize the virus and it is not difficult to drink them.
Avoid drinking ice water or eating ice cubes or snow for those in the mountains (children)!
For those who can do it, expose yourself to the sun!
1. The virus crown is quite large (diameter about 400-500 nanometers), therefore any type of mask can stop it: in normal life, special masks are not needed. On the other hand, the situation is different for doctors and health professionals who are exposed to heavy virus loads and have to use special equipment.
If an infected person sneezes in front of you, three meters away they will drop the virus on the ground and prevent it from landing on you.
2. When the virus is found on metal surfaces, it survives for about 12 hours. So when you touch metal surfaces such as handles, doors, appliances, supports on trams, etc., wash your hands well and disinfect them carefully.
3. The virus can live nested in clothes and fabrics for about 6/12 hours: normal detergents can kill it. For clothes that cannot be washed every day, if you can expose them to the sun and the virus will die.
How it manifests itself:
1. The virus first installs itself in the throat, causing inflammation and a dry throat sensation: this symptom can last for 3/4 days.
2. the virus travels through the humidity present in the airways, descends into the trachea and installs in the lung, causing pneumonia. This step takes about 5/6 days.
3. Pneumonia occurs with high fever and difficulty breathing, it is not accompanied by the classic cold. But you may have the feeling of drowning. In this case, contact your doctor immediately.
How can you avoid it:
1. Virus transmission occurs mostly by direct contact, touching tissues or materials on which the virus is present: washing hands frequently is essential. The virus only survives on your hands for about ten minutes, but in ten minutes many things can happen: rub your eyes or scratch your nose for example, and allow the virus to enter your throat … So, for your own good and for the good of others, wash your hands very often and disinfect them!
2. You can gargle with a disinfectant solution that eliminates or minimizes the amount of virus that could enter your throat: in doing so, you eliminate it before it goes down into the trachea and then into the lungs.
3. disinfect the PC keyboard and mobile phones The new coronavirus NCP * may not show signs of infection for many days, * before which it cannot be known if a person is infected. But by the time you have a fever and / or cough and go to the hospital, your lungs are usually already in 50% fibrosis and it’s too late!
Taiwanese experts suggest doing a simple check that we can do on our own every morning: Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you successfully complete it without coughing, without discomfort, a sense of oppression, etc., this shows that there is no fibrosis in the lungs, indicating essentially no infection.
In such critical times, do this check every morning in a clean air environment! These are serious and excellent advice from Japanese doctors who treat COVID-19 cases. Everyone should make sure that their mouth and throat are moist, never DRY. Drink a few sips of water at least every 15 minutes.
WHY? Even if the virus gets into your mouth … water or other liquids will sweep it away through the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in the belly … Gastric acid in the stomach will kill all the virus.
If you don’t drink enough water more regularly … the virus can get into your trumpets and lungs. It is very dangerous.
https://www.facebook.com/leaveeuofficial/videos/854252378382934/UzpfSTExMTkxMDE5NjA6MTAyMjAxNTgxNjc3NjA2MjU/
Link not working but it’s a demonstration using a bucket of water explaining things quite well.
Morning Rico and all. There is so much advice flooding our senses. Face masks are either vital or useless depending on which expert you either read or believe.
We’re entering a very uncertain phase and things are going to change on a daily basis. We will see kind and caring people alongside those who will criticise every piece of advice and info. I have already experienced several acquaintances behaving like total dickheads over this virus. Who really cares whether Liverpool get awarded the title? Personally I couldn’t care less. There will be many, many days of reckoning ahead and financial and personal dilemmas will pile one upon the other. People we know and love might die. We will change our minds about what is happening many times in the near future and many of us will certainly emerge with some of our values reset. Others will carry on as before, moaning about things that, quite honestly, seem beyond irrelevant right now.
Be careful, think about what you are doing and stay safe.
Nice one, Rico…. there is so much to think of and not just in the PL.. gives me a headache just thinking about it, so I feel for those poor sods that have to actually make the decisions!!
I agree with you though – it should be null and void. Liverpool haven’t won it yet, so why should they get the trophy?
Link is fine for me Potter
Hi Adam, you and yours stay safe too. Same goes for everyone of course.
I think it matters re Liverpool, not so much about them but for the rest of football going down through the leagues. Results of which could potentially cripple certain clubs.
There was a game on yesterday though, which I watched – Halifax v Ebbsfleet. A family member plays for Ebbsfleet, he picked up motm and they won, happy days!
Interesting read from LG too 👍
Thanks Sue, that’s how I feel. A league season is 38 fixtures after all. Not 27 or however many have been played to date.
Hey Le Coq… your parrot is still in isolation 🤣 as are Shakira’s hips haha!!
Rico. That’s what I meant by a reset. Football has all but lost its soul at the alter of money anyway. Each to his own.
Yes the season should be declared null & void.Technically the scousers could still be caught regardless of how improbable that might be & while the possibility exists it is unfair to just Hand it over.whether tainted or not.The meejah luvvies i.e Oliver Holt of Daily mail notoriety has already began the scouse onslaught for them to be declared champs pleading other clubs fans have an agenda/ vendetta against Liverpool.makes u sick.This by the way conveniently ignores their( Liverpool) hand in getting English clubs banned from Europe for 5 years in 1985 & incidentally proventing the reigning English champions Everton from participating.Therefore justice will be done.something their very big on in Liverpool hey?
Agree re losing its soul Adam, 100%. I must have missed your reset reference meaning.
I think the lower league are better though, seems the players care more about the game the further down the league one goes.
I read that Uwot, apparently we don’t want Liverpool to get the trophy because we’re bitter, depriving them of thirty years of hard work to get to this point. Or some old bollox like that. No, just win it after 38 games like every other club has to.
I don’t understand why, for exceptional reasons and if you can’t finish all the matches, the Championship cannot be approved.
9 days to go. More than 75% of the Championship is played. The only “immorality” is that not everyone has the same number of games. So, my most logical proposal: a) to play the games late and so everyone gets the same number of games b) Assume the current classification c) Declare champion who is in 1st and relegate 2 and go up 2 or relegate 1 and go up 1 Alternatively, increase the League to two more.
The F.A. Cup may be unfeasible. Now the Championship?
Extending the duration can be “immoral” because there are contracts that end in June (I suppose).
But that might not be possible Jm, here in the Uk, were really only at the beginning. I can’t see football starting up again until next season.
Daily Mail obviously don’t want the same fate as the Sun on Merseyside . If they don’t get it though it will just add on to the long list of whinges that they wear on their sleeves for all to see and hear about.
Frankie Howerds , Woe , woe and thrice woe would seem to be their mantra.
While I agree this season should be voided, I think the season will be completed, maybe behind closed doors, who knows when, May-July possibly.
Obviously next season will then be impacted. When big money is involved common sense goes out of the window.
That means I’ll have that rammed down my throat every day…urgh….
Wayne Rooney to Oxlade Chamberlain at an England camp :- I said to him, ‘You’re coming to the ball too much; you’ve got your back to play and you’re making it easy for defenders.’
“I told him to come short, run off the ball. I said, ‘Go and watch Marc Overmars,’ and he didn’t know who Marc Overmars was. I was like, ‘You’re playing out wide for Arsenal, how can you not know Overmars?’”
Just goes to show how much Arsenal as a club meant to AOC, or rather how little..
But about the FA. Cup?
Nobody is worried how it will end?
I’m not Jm.
Hi peeps, hope everyone is well (cough) as can be! Calling the season void is probably the best way to go but the money -hungry dip-s#its that control the game now will try to stop that, calling for altruism on their behalf is redundant! By the way, Rico, good to see you blogging, Arseblog have decided to do the same about Arsenal history, maybe a team up in the works?
To all the doom sayers, come to Brixham (South Devon), where every holiday maker seems to have arrived and conveened because no-one gets I’ll on holiday! Do they 😷?
The Ox didn’t know who Overmars is? No wonder young talent is being wasted, what do they teach at accademy level?
Talking about teaching, I am aware my spelling is bad, really bad!😁
At some time in the coming weeks over 70`s and those with health conditions will be asked to stay at home for 4 months according to the health secretary……………………….that will be half the bloggers on this site!…………………but dont worry my friends as I am currently in my research and development facility shed making some diy ventilators that will be despatched asap to you all especially Norfolk!………………….just having some teething problems with the amount of Nitrous Oxide formula being emitted from my Parrotts arse!.
Le Coq, I live in Brixham, if over 70s have to self isolate then there’s either gonna be a mass mobility scooter revolution or a mass culling! My parents included! On a brighter note, though, I would be able to buy a property here… Joking, stuff upper lip and all 😇😬
*stuff
Can predictive text… *stiff
Tenth year Strangeman, I don’t give up easily… 😆
Brixham !…………….used to be my delivery round, bloody Prince William on the front there had about 2000 steps to walk down!……………………………Torbay is the worse affected area in the country!…………………..all them pensioners there it will end up like an episode of the Walking Dead and the local scrap metal merchants will have a field day with all the abandoned Zimmer Frames and the Zombies will hybrid into Zimbies!
They used to have a Zimmer Frame Football there, a bit like walking football and Brixham had the worlds best Zimmer Frame Footballer called …………….Zimmerdine Zimdane!…………………….boom boom! 😆
🤣🤣 bloody hilarious!!
10 years…. wow, impressive, Rico 👍
In case anyone wants to know where all the cases of the virus are in the world here is a link with a sort of league table where China are top with Italy, Iran and South Korea in the Champions League spots and Spain, Germany , France vying for the Europa League spots!……………………Togo, US Virgin Islands and Uzbekistan are in the relegation zone…………………………..Uzbekistan are bottom with one new virus case!………………..Alisher Usmanov is from Uzbekistan and an anagram of his name is…………..A Manholes Virus!………………..work that one out !
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Thanks Sue, not quite as long as AA I don’t think. Only by weeks though. We all started on LG together but went our separate ways.
London = tumbleweed..
Currently on Sky Sports is a poll with 40 odd mins left with 315,172 votes so far on what should happen to PL?
Should league be………………
Null and Void….52%
Scouse title and no relegation….21%
Current table is final….22%
Think they should listen to the fans ! 🙂
Evening Rico and the House,
After hectic day grabing a few mins to myself.
At the moment spare time is very limited and and I have trouble keeping up with you all.
Many thanks for your great posts Rico its apleasure reading them.
On todays post the heading is spot on ( in my eyes)
On Rooneys stupid comment about the Ox
Overmars played for us 1997 to 2000.
Ox was born 1993 and joined Soton academy aged 7 in 2000
The Ox was 18 when he left Soton to join us
which was 11years after M/O left
It dos not surprise that Rooney couldnot work it out.
Like Brexit you mean
Surprise me
Rick you still want to see what went before.I bet he wanted to be Le Tissier as he grew into Southampton.Henry was quoted that he watched videos of Wrighty to learn how to make runs and the Ox should have had videos as part of his learning curve .
Perhaps if our current lot saw George Armstrong they might learn how to cross a ball.
Evening Rick. Rooney is a plank in his own right imo but surely our players should know a bit of history about the club.
Especially Overmars for his goal OT…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AhFSvF2cJt8
Nice one, Rico… loved that game! Oooh Petit – my first love in an Arsenal shirt 😍
I agree with you, our players should know about our history, and let’s face it, not like Overmars played for us that long ago was it.. not that keen on Ox anymore though, fancy turning a new deal down and going to that lot!! The cheek of it haha!
Potter I did read that it was La Tiss who had a big part to play
in his early years at soton..
As for wee Geordie loved the guy. If pepe is worth £72 mill
what would Geordie be worth.
So many great players back then Sue..
I can’t say at anytime since he left, that I’ve ever thought to myself that I wish we’d kept Oxlade Chamberlain.
Morning all.
Ox-cheque book footballer.
He was talented, but hardly a game changer so no real loss.
My lad never played for Arsenal, never even been to England but clearly at 14 knows more about the clubs history than at least one of our ex-players.
Yep, it says all we need to know about that man.
Corona Virus-I watched an interview with the gent who’s renowned as the foremost expert on the subject, and his belief is the subject god factor that makes this dangerous to a person is age.
Over 65’s are 20 times more likely to die from it than those under that age, as a quite general guide.
He also suggests governments can do a hell of a lot to limit its spread and damage yet it seems many countries have sat back and allowed it take hold.
Common sense and basic hygiene is our best defence against it.
New post up now