'Completely unrealistic and delusional': Sunderland fans slam radical EFL plan to complete 2019/20 season

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In a letter to all EFL clubs, which has been seen by the Echo, EFL chairman Rick Parry has revealed this campaign’s remaining fixtures could be played behind closed doors – though players have been told NOT to return to training until May 16 at the earliest.

Sunderland still have eight games left to play this season and could accumulate an additional three fixtures if they reach the League One play-off final.

The EFL’s plan to complete the season in a 56-day period would leave just eight weeks to do so.

Fans were quick to react to the story on social media- here are some of the responses:

@shotb83: “So what happens if one team member falls ill with the virus? Whole squad has to isolate for 14 days etc. Completely unrealistic and delusional.

@OwenDav61960503: “They should just abandoned the season because we are not going to be out of this for a long time yet! The EFL should do a package for all of the club's to help them get through this”

@mdavies4444: “Could be done, bearing in mind pre-season takes place over July anyway Start 2020/21 in October and end it in April, scrap EFL Trophy and possibly League Cup for one season. The FA and Premier League can compensate third, fourth, fifth and lower tier clubs any missing revenue.”

@seansafc1973: “Driven solely for money. Ignore public health, lets just get the money making machine back on the road.”

@jonny8686: “The EFL are delusional”

@Stuart77865064: “No chance unless govt lift social distance”

Meanwhile on our Sunderland Echo Facebook page, Marc Hope said: “Players should be left home like everyone else until we are told we can go out. Cancel the season”

Stewart Rooney added:“Just write the season off already, there is no guarantee that this will be all over in the next few months.”

Hank Witherspoon commented: “We're 3/4 points off a promotion place. No need to hurry, just resume it when ready.”

Pam Crabtree posted: “What about the players are they exempt from isolating?”