Steve Bruce has broken his silence on the coronavirus pandemic during his pre-match press conference in the last few moments.
Fortunately, the Newcastle boss reveals that there’s been ‘no symptoms’ shown from any of his players or staff, but admits they’re all coming to terms with the situation.
He also claims that players will NOT come in and train together IF games are called off, suggesting contingency plans are set to be considered with an announcement imminent this morning.
As for what happens next, Bruce feels playing behind closed doors is NOT the solution, feeling the Premier League should be temporarily suspended until the situation clears up.
Here’s what he’s had to say, with his comments suggesting this weekend’s games are ‘likely’ to be called off:
“Up until yesterday we were pretty convinced the game was going ahead. The welfare of everybody is key to all of this. The welfare of every individual is far more important than a football match. Like everybody else, we wish Mikel [Arteta] well and hope he recovers well.”
“We’ve prepared for the game and people talk about it being behind closed doors but if we play football it’s for one thing – the supporters. For me, suspend it, shut it down and rearrange it for another date when the situation is clearer.”
“There’s been no symptoms [from any #NUFC players or staff]. Touch wood.
“The doctor has been in contact with the other doctors [in the Premier League] I believe and we’re awaiting this phone call [about tomorrow’s game].”
“The players are fine (mentally). We have very good medical people. We’re all coming to terms with this, which is unprecedented in my lifetime. We have to decide if they’ll come in and train (if PL is postponed). The advice is probably no, not together”
“For me, in my opinion, you suspend and wait until you get the all-clear. I think that’s the only viable solution.
“I don’t think there’s any alternative. I really can’t see the point of playing behind closed doors.’
“It’s not the answer. The reason our club is so good is the support we get. 52 thousand will there tomorrow, if it goes ahead. To be without that, I can’t see the point.”
It’s time for the league to do what’s right and call these games off.
We await official confirmation, but with one manager tested positive and several players deemed to have picked up the virus – and in self-isolation as a result – this should no longer be a debate!
