Steve Bruce has called on the Premier League to shut down football.
The Newcastle manager wants the governing body to suspend the league until more is known about the spread of coronavirus.
No Newcastle players have tested positive for the virus – but they are ready to send players home and cancel group training. Players are going to be given individual training programmes to do on their own.
Bruce has prepared his players to face Sheffield United on Saturday but expects the game to be closed.
Bruce said this morning: “To play behind behind closed doors is not the opinion. Shut it down and play it later.
“Postponement is the only viable solution. Two weeks, four weeks.
“The question then is do we get them into training? The answer is probably no. Don't bring them into the environment.
“They reckon thousands will die from this disease. The well being of everyone is far more important.
“It is strange and difficult times for everyone not just football. It is quite incredible. We have prepared for the game.
“Playing football is for the supporters and their welfare is ahead of everything. We await a phone call in the next couple of hours.
“We prepare as normal and there is a PL meeting and we are governed by them.
“You play football to be in front of 52,000 of our fans. The idea of playing in front of no-one doesn't appeal. You suspend it and wait until we get the all-clear.
“We are all talking about it. We have precautions. We have managers, players contracting it and that will only increase.
"Touch wood no one here (has got it).
“On Thursday we were convinced games would go ahead. Then 24 hours later, players have contracted it, and unfortunately that has happened elsewhere.
“Move Euros? It is a difficult situation. We will have to try and finish the season and move the European Championships.”
