Sunderland fans deliver verdict on plans for 2019-20 season - and how it should be concluded

All football has been suspended in England as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and it will only return when safe to do so.

It is now almost certain, though, that when that does happen that matches will be played behind-closed-doors.

As part of our Big SAFC Survey we asked Sunderland fans whether they wanted to see this season concluded or declared null and void?

And also if the season is unable to restart, how would they like to see it concluded?

A large majority, 69.7% of supporters, wanted to see the campaign finished for the integrity of the game and the EFL.

Meanwhile, 30% of fans that took part in our survey believe it should be declared null and void given there is too much uncertainty and it isn’t yet clear when it would be safe to resume and to start again next season.

We also quizzed fans on what they wanted to see happen if the season was unable to be concluded due to coronavirus.

If that was to happen, then 65% of fans wanted to see the 2019-20 season declared null and void with no promotion or relegation.

Just 9.5% were in favour of using the League One table as it is now with 25.5% in favour of the final table being decided on a points-per-game ratio.

All three scenarios would see Sunderland fail to win promotion this campaign, with the Black Cats currently sitting in 7th place.

The only chance Sunderland would have of winning promotion this season would be for the season to re-start, with fans and the wider football world hanging on the words of the Government and medical professionals as to if - and when - that will be possible.

Sunderland’s players are currently on furlough leave, alongside a number of the club’s non-playing staff.

They are still receiving full pay from the club as it awaits further developments on the current campaign.

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