Writing in his recent Sun column, Premier League legend Alan Shearer has said that the fairest thing to do would not be hand the title to Liverpool, and therefore not allow promotion for the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United, given the current global situation.
It’s an unprecedented period of modern history. Few on the planet have experienced such a situation and, unsurprisingly, few can honestly say what is going to happen next.
Will Leeds be promoted?
Yes
No
That goes for football, too, with the argument being whether the season should be voided, picked up at a later date, or ended now with the standings counting at this point.
Shearer’s comments, though, are not going to go down well with Leeds fans – for obvious reasons – and with James Marshment sharing them on Twitter, plenty has been said.
Here’s what he had to say:
Alan Shearer the latest to claim Leeds, West Brom should not be promoted if the season is not completed.
I'm genuinely concerned that there's a growing momentum behind these calls. Need some high-profile names to come out and say the opposite and why Leeds SHOULD go up— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) March 16, 2020
And this is what the reaction has been like on social media:
To be honest, I don’t think anyone should be promoted or relegated. The season should be played to a close whether that’s now or in months to come. If they void the season then it makes a mockery of the sport in my opinion.
— Joe Catling (@JoeCatling19) March 16, 2020
I have a problem with Villa and Norwich being rewarded twice for promotion last season as both should be relegated, but get another £130m for staying in the Prem 🤬🤬
— Doc (@333doc1) March 16, 2020
The 9 remaining games could easily be played in a calendar month! (Behind closed doors if necessary). Cancel the Euros and start next season in September (or even October). This is driving me nuts!!!! 😡
— JeffSP (@JeffSP17) March 16, 2020
Does @alanshearer think all finances and bonuses given to clubs should be paid back then? And a worldwide transfer ban for the next season so teams stay the same? Would he say that If newcastle were 25 points clear at the top. His answer to them 3 questions will be no.
— scott bates (@bates_scott88) March 16, 2020
If the gathering of people in one area is the reason to cancel a football game. Then the sensible alternative to completing the fixtures is to play behind closed doors and televise the games. Got to be better than cancelling the season?
— Alan Groves (@Kiwi_Whites) March 16, 2020
You cant void a league,end of conversation
— Adam Barlow (@AdamPaulBarlow) March 16, 2020
Many would lose interest if they voided the season. Play the remaining games when possible and delay the start of next season.
— AdamB992 (@AdamB992) March 16, 2020
As if another reason not to like Shearer was needed.
— MikeyLUFC (@MikeyLUFCALAW) March 16, 2020