Yesterday we posted a poll to our Facebook page on the topic of the COVID- 19 virus, questioning whether you, a GiveMeSport reader believes whether or not sporting events should be played behind closed doors amidst the global outbreak of COVID- 19.
There have already been many major sporting events affected due to the outbreak, with the Indian Wells tennis tournament, that was meant to start on Monday being totally cancelled, but would playing behind doors help to stop the spread of COVID- 19?
The results of the poll were tighter than you might expect, with 56% of those voting believing that sporting events shouldn’t be played behind closed doors, an opinion shared with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard recently said in a press conference “there is no reason to play without the people” with his team’s game against Arsenal tonight being postponed due to Coronavirus fears.
These fears have stemmed from news breaking that Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis had contracted the virus. The Greek side owner had met with a number of the Arsenal players before the recent clash between the two sides in the Europa League and now several Gunners players are in self-isolation.
The Premier League at this current time has declared it has no intentions to postpone any other matches.
However, the same can’t be said for other elite European leagues who agree with the 44% of voters in that games should be played behind closed doors.
The Spanish La Liga have declared that the next two rounds of fixtures are to be played behind closed doors, in order to stop the spread of the virus.
The Serie A in Italy has come to a complete stop over Coronavirus fears, after 16 million people have been placed in quarantine in northern Italy.
UEFA have also declared that certain Champions League and Europa League games will be played behind closed doors, including Manchester United vs LASK in the Europa League and Barcelona vs Napoli in the Champions League.
There is no doubt that the Coronavirus is a serious issue but will playing games behind closed doors really make a difference? Only time will tell.