Accrington Stanley chief Andy Holt has called for the EFL to take urgent action due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Accrington Stanley Boss Urges EFL Postponement Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
‘People Are Dying’
The total number of cases reported in the UK rose to 319 today after the virus broke out in Wuhan, China.
Three people have died with links to Covid-19 with well over 100,000 cases reported worldwide.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson chaired an emergency meeting today with COBRA – they discussed measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
Methods of preventing the illness’ spread include banning big events, closing schools and encouraging home working.
But Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt says football should be paused.
“I’d be considering pausing the season…until we get a grip of it,” said Holt on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme (via Coventry Live).
“I’d pause it and review. We should not be focused on competition now.
“We should be focused on not repeating the Italian errors.
“Folk are dying at an accelerating rate.
“133 people died of #COVID2019 in Italy yesterday. A 57% increase.
“This is DEADLY serious. Football isn’t.
“Lives matter more. I’d pause the season now and reconvene to review every 7 days.”
Holt continued: “We had 3000 fans at our place at the weekend.
“I’m worried inviting them all together is putting them in danger… We have a lot of elderly fans.”
He added that he is “really concerned” by the financial impact on EFL clubs if deprived of crucial matchday revenue, “but not as concerned as I would be about not getting a grip on this crisis…
“If I lose half of my fans to this disease I have long-term ramifications that are far more critical.”
Impact on Promotion Race
Stanley are 17th in League One but if Holt’s wish comes true, it could damage Coventry City’s chances of promotion from the third tier.
The Sky Blues have a lead of five points over second-placed Rotherham and are seven clear of third-placed Oxford United.
Mark Robins’ side head to the Wham Stadium at the end of March.
Stanley also take on Portsmouth (6th), Doncaster Rovers (9th), Sunderland (5th) and Wycombe Wanderers (8th) before the season finishes.
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