Coronavirus: postpone National League season or play behind closed doors? Chesterfield's John Pemberton has his say

Chesterfield boss John Pemberton would be in favour of postponing the National League season rather than playing games behind closed doors due to the coronavirus.
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A number of sporting events around the world have been postponed because of the outbreak of the disease.

The government is expected to make an announcement later today about how it plans to delay the pandemic.

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When asked whether he would be in favour of a postponement to the season or playing games behind closed doors, Pemberton said: “I think I would prefer a postponement.

Chesterfield caretaker manager John Pemberton.Chesterfield caretaker manager John Pemberton.
Chesterfield caretaker manager John Pemberton.

“I can’t see the point of it being behind closed doors.

“The whole point of doing what we are doing is to do it in front of the supporters.

People need the revenue and it is going to affect a lot of clubs certainly like ours. We need the support and we need the revenue.

“We rely on our gate receipts and it is a big part of running our football club and just the atmosphere at the games as well.

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“I would rather postpone and if we give it a month or whatever just to shut it down I am sure we can run over into the summer I do not think it would do any harm.”

Spanish top flight La Liga has been suspended for at least the next two rounds of matches while basketball’s NBA has also been suspended and McLaren have pulled out of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Pemberton confirmed that no Chesterfield players or staff have been tested for coronavirus but said that they are “monitoring everyone closely.”

The Spireites are due to play Dover Athletic on Saturday at the Crabble Stadium but it remains to be seen whether it goes ahead as normal, is postponed or is played behind closed doors.

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Pemberton added: “It is a serious problem that we have got which they think it could peak in the next couple of weeks so I think if you can help by nipping it in the bud and if that is case of stopping the games or closing the season down for a month or whatever it takes then so be it. Other things are more important at the moment than football.”