Premier League could ban over-70s attending games to help prevent coronavirus spread

Posted Saturday, March 07, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

Premier League could ban over-70s attending games to help prevent coronavirus spread
Sir Alex Ferguson, 78, could be banned from attending Manchester United matches Credit: Reuters

FOOTBALL fans over the age of 70 could be banned from attending stadiums to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The Premier League and sports broadcasters have been drafted in for an emergency meeting with the government to hold crisis talks.

According to Sky, a meeting will be held on Monday to draft contingency plans if and when the virus continues to spread.

There have been 116 cases of the virus in the UK and over 100,000 around the world.

Coronavirus has continued to have a huge impact on sporting events across Europe with matches in Serie A postponed or being played behind closed doors.

Italy's Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and England will be played later in the year while the Chinese Grand Prix and the UAE cycling tour have also been suspended.

The Premier League announced that players will not be allowed to shake hands before kick-off as is tradition.

And SunSport revealed on Tuesday how Prem chiefs have sent letters to all 20 sides warning of the possibility of no fans in grounds to ensure the season is completed.

The Daily Mail write how sports events could be restricted to just 500 people.

But a new contingency plan is being drawn up that could, in theory, see the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and 72-year-old Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson prevented from entering the stadiums.

Fergie, 78, is a regular attendee at Manchester United matches.

Sky Sports correspondent Martha Kelner revealed plans that will have a huge impact on supporters.

She said: "The Premier League is prepared for the possibility that Public Health England will advise that some fixtures this season will have to be played behind closed doors, as has been the case in other European leagues like Italy and Morocco.

"It is understood that the preference in the case of advice that the season be postponed or played behind closed doors would be that it continues without fans permitted inside stadiums.

"The league is also considering other possible contingency plans.

"That may include advising against, or even a possible ban, on over-70s - the demographic considered to be at highest risk from the spread of COVID-19 - coming inside stadiums."