Liverpool could miss out on title if Coronavirus spread cuts short season
With Liverpool currently 22 points clear at the top of the table, it will take something inhuman to stop the Reds title charge this season. It looks to be just that as the coronavirus outbreak could lead to the current season being declared null and void, according to the Telegraph (h/t Daily Mail).
There is no guarantee that the Reds will be crowned champions if the season is cut short due to the outbreak spreading all across the world. The report goes on to explain that there is ‘no specific regulation’ in place in the scenario that the season remains unfinished.
The rapid spread of the virus has wreaked havoc across the world. Around 80,000 people in 50 countries have been infected with the death toll currently at 2,800.
With the virus spreading quickly across Europe, a number of countries have taken the decision to curtail sporting events. The Swiss Super League has postponed it’s weekend fixtures while the Serie-A has also been affected with Inter Milan’s Europa Cup clash against Ludogorets played behind closed doors. (h/t CNN)
The UK government could follow suit and attempt to cancel all sporting events for two months. If such a situation comes to pass, crisis talks will be held to determine the necessary course of action.
With Liverpool on course to win with a comfortable margin, any efforts to deny the Reds the title will come in for huge controversy. The situation will be complicated for the sides battling for relegation with spots 15th to 19th being separated by a mere four points.
The battle for European spots will also come under the scanner as Chelsea hold a slender four-point lead in fourth over a chasing packing consisting of potentially five teams.
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Coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom have risen to 19 amidst fears of large-scale events being postponed. The Premier League currently has no plans to end pre-match handshake rituals in a bid to tackle the passing of the virus.
However, Newcastle revealed that they have banned their players from shaking hands with each other to risk preventing transmission of the virus.