A number of club officials disagree with the Premier League’s decision to persist with a normal season, with a small minority even feeling the campaign should be voided, as football was thrown into further disarray by the coronavirus crisis on Thursday evening.
Arsenal announced that head coach Mikel Arteta had tested positive a mere 45 minutes after the competition had announced the fixtures would continue as normal.
The announcement from the Gunners raises questions about communication and casts doubt on the controversial plans.
The developments have seen the Premier League call for an emergency meeting on Friday morning, to discuss the rest of the season. And there is an increasing feeling that the league will be suspended for a month.
The Independent has been told that some clubs will push for a suspension and that there is a minority of officials who will argue that the campaign should be voided.
Regardless of any individual feelings, however, the logistical nightmare caused by Arteta’s unfortunate situation could make much of that immaterial.
Arsenal’s match against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend will have to be called off as the squad goes into quarantine, and the club has admitted they may struggle to fulfil fixtures.
The Premier League had previously taken their lead from the government, which had been adamant that closing stadiums was reactionary, and not actually that beneficial.
That stance has been undercut by participating figures like Arteta actually contracting the virus, as it illustrates a host of other problems beyond the actual benefit of shutting down mass gatherings like football matches.
