Chris Wilder reveals Premier League 'behind-closed-doors' prediction ahead of Newcastle United v Sheffield United

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is predicting this weekend’s trip to Newcastle United will be played behind-closed-doors.
READING, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United looks on during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Reading FC and Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium on March 03, 2020 in Reading, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)READING, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United looks on during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Reading FC and Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium on March 03, 2020 in Reading, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
READING, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United looks on during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Reading FC and Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium on March 03, 2020 in Reading, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Speaking at his pre-match press conference in the Steel City this morning, Wilder described how the expectation at his football club is that Premier League football closing its doors to spectators is inevitable, with an empty St James’s Park this weekend a distinct possibility.

“I think it’s coming, maybe even in the next 24 to 48 hours. It might even happen for Newcastle,” said Wilder.

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“I know there is a meeting at 11 o’clock and I know it’s picked up pace over the last day or so.”

The World Health Organisation yesterday declared the coronavirus strain Covid-19 as a pandemic.

And the Government is set to move to the “delay” stage of its action plan to deal with the spread of the virus.

The Times are reporting that Premier League fixtures will not be postponed but will be closed to fans and will not be shown in pubs.

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Newcastle are due to take on the Blades this weekend – a capacity crowd is expected – followed by a home FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City is scheduled for March 21.

Wilder does not think football will be the same without fans at the games, but he says football clubs must adhere to the advise of experts for the greater good.

“We’d accept everything that the authorities make us do, they’re the experts,” said Wilder.

“Yes, we want to see packed stadiums, we’ve put ourselves in a very exciting position for the run in. If there was no punters it would be a huge blow for us.

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“The game is nothing without the supporters, we all do it for a reason and that reason is to get that buzz playing in front of our supporters.

“For me a delay, an extension to the season would be my preferred option.”

Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-0 win at Southampton, Steve Bruce said: “We’re concerned. When you hear the threat in Italy, of playing (Serie A) games behind closed doors, we have to think of people’s health. It’s more important than a football match.”