Premier League clubs have agreed that the remaining matches of the 2019/20 must be played for the season to reach a logical conclusion.
This revelation was made by the Crystal Palace Manager, Roy Hodgson who exainwd at all 20 members of England’s top flight favour this position to a cancellation at its current stage
The 2019/20 Premier season is currently suspended (since March 13) because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hodgson added that it is important for the current campaign to end without “artificial” methods of determining places.
Liverpool enjoy a 25 point lead at the summit of the Premier League standings and were poised to claim their first title before the season was suspended.
Premier League action will not return until April 30 at the very earliest due to fears about resuming games to soon.
However, it’s understood matches are more likely to return in the summer – and behind closed doors.
Jurgen Klopp’s side need just two more wins to be certain of their first league title in 30 years and Hodgson is adamant the campaign must only finish once all games are played.
In a message to supporters on Palace’s official website, Hodgson said:
“Everyone is in total agreement we need an end to this season. We don’t want artificial means of deciding who wins the league, who gets into the Champions League, who gets relegated and promoted.
“Ideally our players would have three or four weeks’ minimum to prepare for the first match back, but I accept there may have to be a squeeze on that timeframe.
“It might mean extra restrictions at our place of work – the training ground – for example. It may also mean that we have to play our nine remaining matches in a shorter period of time than we normally would have done, and subsequently receive a shorter break between the seasons.
“But I think with all of these sacrifices – and I am uncomfortable using that word in such a context – everyone will be more than happy to go along with what it takes in order to get playing again as soon as possible in order to get the season finished,” he said.
There had been some claims that the season would be declared null and void or that it would end with the positions staying as they are now should no more games be played.
That would see Liverpool win their first Premier League title, while Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich would be relegated.
Chelsea would finish in the top four along with Leicester, with Manchester United, Sheffield United and Tottenham missing out.But as long as all Premier League clubs are in agreement over what needs to happen it seems unlikely that the season will not be completed one way or the other.
