The Independent are reporting that the Premier League are now discussing the prospect of hosting a World Cup-style ‘mega-event’ to help conclude the season this summer.
The proposals would see Premier League teams based in isolated camps, similar to how international teams operate in tournaments, with fixtures being played every day in the Midlands and in London.
All 92 games would be played behind closed doors but televised to the public – something they say is backed by the Government.
A similar format was mooted by our very own Steve Bruce, who pitched the idea that a ‘festival of football’ could take place in order to finish the current campaign.
Bruce’s initial strategy was something I liked the idea of, as a full summer of Premier League football would be an adequate substitute for every football fan who is devastated about missing out on Euro 2020. However, I think this new plan stinks.
Every child in school learns that a test is considered fair when only one variable has been changed. But, by playing the final 10 games of the season in neutral venues in the Midlands and down South, how would that possibly be considered fair?
Take us for example, Newcastle United, the most Northern team in the league. Our next fixture before COVID-19 disrupted the season was Bournemouth away (not exactly round the corner, I know.) However, after that, we had Man City in the cup, Aston Villa, Sheffield United and West Ham – ALL AT HOME.
These games being played in the Midlands and in London would seriously harm our chances of picking up some positive results, and if it were to send us hurtling towards that bottom three it would be nothing other than grossly unfair.
These plans – if true – seem like a cash grab purely to satisfy the TV broadcasters. Money talks, especially in football.
Either finish the season or void it altogether, the latter, however, I think would be stupid also.
We don’t have to be restricted by the deadline of next season, let’s just play the football when we can and when it is deemed safe to do so.
Next season will take care of itself and if we have to miss a season or even have to restructure it slightly then so be it. But at least that would be before a single ball has been kicked – and most importantly, fair!
