Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Soccer

LMA chief urges Premier League clubs to back neutral venues

The Premier League season could be cancelled if clubs do not agree to play in neutral venues, acc...



LMA chief urges Premier League...
Soccer

LMA chief urges Premier League clubs to back neutral venues

The Premier League season could be cancelled if clubs do not agree to play in neutral venues, according to the League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan.

It appears the only way for the remainder of the season to be finished, is to play games behind closed doors at a neutral venues.

However, Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber is among those against the idea, stating it could affect the "integrity" of the league.

The neutral stadium proposal needs 14 out of the 20 clubs to vote in favour for it to be adopted.

Bevan was on BBC Radio 4's Today and asked if a vote against neutral venues would lead to the season being cancelled.

"Yes, I think that probably is correct," he replied.

Bevan added: "The Government, if they haven't already, will be making it clear that home matches with densely populated stadia really puts into question whether social distancing rules can be adhered to and without doubt that will be on the voting next Monday with the clubs."

The LMA chief also said players and managers will be presented with medical protocols related to the Premier League's Project Restart next week.

"Hopefully there will be solutions that create this safe environment, in the meantime we're staying very open-minded and as always the managers take their responsibility to the game very seriously on all these issues."

A small group of club doctors have raised a number of concerns but Bevan insisted that no players or managers would be forced into playing when it is not safe to do so.

"I think as long as we have maximum information and good protocol documents, players will make their own decisions and same for managers. And they'll be looking at best practice.

"If we do get that information clearly and well-presented and governments are clear as well, there'll be some good decision-making - from a manager perspective. I don't think that would be coercing players at all.

"Whatever the pressures, physical, psychological well-being of players, coaches and indeed all the personnel, that will come first and foremost."

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Coronavirus LMA Premier League Richard Bevan