Premier League could be cancelled if neutral venue idea is not agreed upon, says LMA chief

Amid frequent talks of a Premier League return, season could be cancelled altoger if clubs do not agree to play remaining fixtures at neutral venues, according to Chief Executive of League Managers Association (LMA), Richard Bevan. re have been reports suggesting that a Premier League return as early as mid-June is on cards according to Project Restart, with players likely to return to training latest by mid-May.

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Premier League cancelled? Few clubs oppose neutral venue idea

Six Premier League teams, including likes of Brighton, are opposed to idea of playing remaining fixtures at neutral venues, fearing huge loss of revenue. Seagulls chief Paul Barber told club’s official website that he agreed with argument of playing remaining fixtures behind closed doors as it was a necessity to curb spre of coronavirus in UK.

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Premier League cancelled? 

Barber, however, claimed that playing remaining games at neutral venues at this critical point of season is likely to have a negative impact on integrity of Premier League. Apart from Brighton, Watford, West Ham United, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Aston Villa are or major clubs that are reported to be against idea of neutral venues. Nearly all of se clubs are involved in a relegation battle.

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Premier League cancelled? Consensus on neutral venue necessary for Premier League return

While speaking to BBC Rio 4, League Managers Association chief Richard Bevan predicted that a similar stance from clubs would le to cancellation of ongoing Premier League season. He claimed that playing games at home venues might le to a huge garing of fans which will violate government’s social distancing plans. Meanwhile, doctors of Premier League clubs have also flagged concerns over ir own safety once Premier League returns.

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