Sunderland fans split over EFL plans as Black Cats braced for major changes

Reports today suggested that the EFL were set to instruct clubs to play their remaining fixtures behind closed doors in a bid to minimise the spread of the disease. Alternative options would include postponing the season, as many European countries have done.

Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, however, with the government set to hold crunch talks over delaying the spread of coronavirus and its effect on mass gatherings on Thursday afternoon.

And Sunderland fans offered a mixed verdict on how they would like to see the problem dealt with.

In a poll on our Sunderland Echo SAFC Facebook page, supporters marginally suggested that they would prefer to see games played behind closed doors as opposed to the season being postponed – with 51% of fans backing the games to go ahead in front of empty stadiums.

There was plenty of debate between supporters too, with some insisting that games should continue unaffected in the coming weeks.

Here’s what was posted on our Facebook page by Sunderland supporters:

Pauline Philliskirk said: “Looks like we won't have any choice it will be decided for us but if football season finishes does that mean we all stay in the position we are now which is bad news for us.”

Bill Lynn argued: “Professional sport is spectator entertainment. You wouldn’t put on a theatre production without an audience. So why play football games behind closed doors?”

Paul McKellar joked: “Replay Gillingham and Bristol Rovers. The virus affected the game!”

And Alex Cassin jested; “Cancel the season promotion on highest attendance”

Sarah Thackeray added: “Stay calm and carry on only stay away if you're not well”

David Gilroy posted: “Either way I would expect full refund on season ticket”

Anthony Frazer commented: “Saves us from getting beat week after week”

Adam Tivenan asked: “How about just carry on as normal?”