'We can’t complain, the table doesn’t lie' - Sunderland fans react to EFL decision as promotion hopes hang in balance

The EFL have said that play-off campaigns should not be extended in what could potentially be a major blow to Sunderland’s slim promotion hopes.

The EFL says it still wants all fixtures to be fulfilled but it is sticking to its previous formula for settling tables in the event of a curtailment, with clubs set to vote.

This would see the table settled via an unweighted points-per-game formula. Sunderland would finish 8th and face a third season in the third tier.

This is what fans have had to say:

safc1982 Lee tweeted: “Even though we would more than likely fail in play-offs (again) this is a joke of a decision.”

jonny8686 Jonny Young tweeted: “Lets curtail the season but not curtail the season with a play off competition, barmy.”

David McKeever tweeted: “Not surprising really. We are everyone’s cup final in this division. Some of our performances have been awful. Lincoln, Gillingham, Shrewsbury, Peterborough & Bristol Rovers for example. We can’t complain really. The league table doesn’t lie.”

G a r y B e l l a m y tweeted: “There’s at least 51% of teams with nothing to play for. Curtail Season. Simply not good enough. Deserve where we are.”

Old_punky Blah Blah Blah added: “For 51% you need 12 teams to vote for that way, to continue there's maybe 4 or 5 clubs at the top end that it would benefit (the others are already in the top 6) and the bottom 3 so I reckon a maximum of 8 clubs would vote to continue.”

CraigLisgo Craig tweeted: “How can teams vote to not finish season but still want to play playoffs, it’d be criminal. Either it’s safe or it’s not.”

newtsfever Lewis added: “If your assumptions are even close it’s ended. Believe it’ll be the most positive outcome for SAFC long term. Current set-up is toxic and having that in the league above would end in disaster and embarrassment.”

Meanwhile, a downbeat Tranmere Rovers fan had this to say: CraigPerkins17 Craig Perkins: “Yes but at least you're not getting relegated with 11 games to go, three points behind safety with a game in hand.”

Over on our SAFC Facebook page, Dave Pockley wrote: “Right let’s now get on with more important matters in our lives.”

Mark Thompson said: “Should play the last couple of games before any new season starts.....its that simple. Theres no other way to do it without bringing the "league" system into disrepute.”

And finally, Neil Winfield added: “Poor performances are to blame, not rules.”

Clubs will now be allowed ‘a period of reflection’ before a vote. The EFL has confirmed that a 51% majority will be required to curtail the League One campaign.

Sunderland remain insistent that League One can and should resume.