Potential Premier League Restart Mooted for June

Despite the fact that Covid-19 is yet to peak in England, talks are already underway as to when to restart the season. As per the Telegraph, restarting the Premier League in June would “allow them to finish the season within the space of six weeks and begin the 2020-2021 campaign on August 8, heading off a financial catastrophe for clubs carrying huge wage bills.” The article goes on to discuss the manner in which these matches would be played in just ten weeks time; the matches would be played behind-closed-doors and with special measures in place for the safety of the players.

Ethics

At the moment, the FA are trying all they can to try to finish the Premier League season. But, their target of June for a restart is very hopeful. The Highland League has already called an end to the season, announcing Brora Rangers as the league winners. Arguably, this was a deserved result since they went 13 points clear. But, will this be the case for the Premier League and Liverpool‘s own domination of the league?

The one clear argument is that Liverpool would have gone on to win the title, with only one win needed. But, even Jamie Carragher has expressed his unease with awarding them the title. After all, with Liverpool being knocked out of the Champions League, it could have had a momentum shattering effect on the players.

Either way, it is impossible to argue for a totally ethical way to end the season. If Liverpool are awarded the title, does that mean the rest of the table must finish in their current position? If so this deprives the relegation stricken clubs to make a last-ditch fight out of their situation. Or, should the league be reviewed on a case by case basis? Further complications would be in the EFL as a whole with clubs being promoted and relegated.

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