2019-2020 EPL Discussion Thread

[K]

[K]

"English Premier League players have rejected a move by clubs to cut their wages by 30 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.

Escalating what has become a bitter public row, the Professional Footballers' Association claims the British Government would lose more than £200 million in tax if the plan goes ahead."

(AP)

[K]

Pep Guardiola’s 82-year-old mother has died after contracting coronavirus:

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1247162431467483136

[Jezza]

^ Very sad news

[Jezza]

Liverpool: Sir Kenny Dalglish tests positive for coronavirus

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has tested positive for coronavirus and is in hospital but is showing no symptoms, his family have announced.

Dalglish was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics.

The 69-year-old former Celtic and Scotland forward was routinely tested for coronavirus after being admitted.

"Unexpectedly, the test result was positive but he remains asymptomatic," the Dalglish family said.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52250176

[K]

A message on behalf of Sir Kenny Dalglish and family

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announ ... and-family

"Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self-isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family. He would urge everyone to follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead."

[Hmm... Is anyone in his family positive? Whom did he catch it from?]

[K]

Tom Hird looks like a smaller version of Noble.

If he's any good at soccer, that might suit his body more. For his father's club, it's a virtual free hit, though, as a cat-B rookie.

James Hird surprised by son Tom's AFL call

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/jam ... 54kaf.html

[There's a photo in the article that backs up the first sentence above.]

[Jezza]

Leeds United legend, Norman Hunter has sadly passed away from Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52246007

[Pies4shaw]

Very sad. Norman was a fantastic player. I haven't thought about him for many years (not, to be frank, since the last time I was worried about the risk that he might kick Charlie George's legs out from under him). Back in those days, one only got to see a one-hour highlights package on the ABC (about 9.30 pm on a Monday night, IIRCC). I followed the Gunners, my elder brother followed West Ham and our Dad loved Leeds (and especially was a fan of Billy Bremner, Jackie Charlton, Norman Hunter, Terry Yorath. Eddie Gray and Peter Lorimer). He was a household name, even in these far-flung parts - and that great Leeds time got a lot of coverage.

Vale.

[Pies4shaw]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... o-football

[K]

It's reported the Bundesliga may restart May 9.

[Jezza]

Ligue 1 & 2: France's top two divisions will not resume this season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52460468

[K]

Premier League clubs told season will finish in neutral venues

"Clubs are expected to vote on the key principles of 'Project Restart' some time after May 7, when the UK Government must review the current lockdown.

It is understood there were still no discussions around declaring the season null and void, nor curtailing it, with France and Holland having been forced to end their competitions because of government orders.

Return-to-training protocols, which include wearing face masks or snoods, were presented to clubs. Teams will consult with playing and management staff on the proposals, which are still subject to approval."

(PA)

[Jezza]

Ligue 1 & 2: France's top two divisions will not resume this season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52460468

PSG to be crowned champions as Ligue 1 cancelled, Marseille and Rennes in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain have been declared Ligue 1 champions after the Professional Football League (LFP) in France confirmed that the 2019-20 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons have been ended.

The LFP have utilised a performance index based on the number of points taken from matches played, confirming PSG as Ligue 1 champions for a third consecutive year.

LFP president Nathalie Boy de la Tour said: "We have brought an end to the 2019-20 season. PSG win the Ligue 1 title, while Lorient the Ligue 2."

This is in contrast to the Dutch Eredivisie, which also took the league table as final but did not award the championship to leaders Ajax and cancelled promotion and relegation.

Marseille have also qualified for the group stage of the Champions League, while Rennes will go into the qualification rounds. Lille and Nice will go directly into the Europa League group stage, while Reims will have to go through qualification.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/paris-saint ... ons-league

[Jezza]

Bundesliga is resuming tomorrow.