Loco Rojo

Surely these new announced measures are an indication that no fans will be returning to games? And if football still allows it, why would people want to risk it? Zero chance of containing this new variant of the virus by verbally telling people to stay in their area especially if they spotted signs of this back in November. Very worrying and hopefully the Vaccine works against this new strain.

Whilst the Government have been a complete joke and definately incompetent during this, I am equally disapointed at (some) of society who have shown incredible levels of stupidity and selfishness during this pandemic. All too quick to blame anyone else (mainly the Government) whilst themselves ignoring social distancing rules and mixing with whoever they want. Unfortunately we live in a world where it's always someone else's fault and we can no longer take responsibility for our actions. These are the idiots that will cause further restrictions for all.

And unfortunately there are too many of them.

It's good that smaller clubs have been testing and trialling it but I'm still not convinved it's safe enough to justify the risks (or the costs to the club). Clubs might be able to stagger entry times and check IDs but that doesn't completely remove the risks of the virus spreading as per some of my examples. I'm not convinced it can be policed safely throughout. This isn't a model where every club is the same and therefore testing it at a few clubs lower down the pyramid means it'll work and deliver the same results at every club. I know you could argue the risks are the same as walking down the street or through Cabot Circus where there are lots of people not socially distancing (which is probably already a contributing factor to the numbers increasing in itself) but the difference here (imo) is for the sake of entertainment, the Government and Football authorities are willing to turn the tap on to increase the spread of the virus. Feels wrong at this time when a vaccine hasn't yet been rolled out.

I'm not comfirtable with this idea at this stage. Allowing large groups of people to gather just doesn't seem sensible until they are rolling out the Vaccine and just opens up a whole load of risks that just aren't worth it. This feels like another Government initiative badly thought out and no doubt will be badly implemented, leaving it to the clubs to interpret and pick up the pieces. - Creating safe distancing when in your seat is possible in principle but this is heavily dependant on fans being robots sitting in their seats and not mingling - but then how and who polices this during the game if some fans decide to mix or walk about? Can you imagine the reactions towards stewards approaching fans asking them to sit in their seat and keep apart from each other. Or even some fans challenging other fans - i can imagine there would be carnage. - I don't believe distancing is possible moving to/from your seat, e.g. under the stands for example before/after the match, at halftime, to go to the toilets/food/drinks etc- again, who/how would this be policed? Can you imagine the cost/risks to do this? And as per the above, the fan reaction at being policed? - If facilities are open, how do the club manage the staff working on match day to ensure they are also safe and tested and have sufficient staffing levels? What does the club do if staff are tested positive on match day, e.g. replacements? - Again, with facilities, who is going to police the queues to make sure people keep apart? not going to happen or happen well. We've all seen how busy it is at half time, even with reduced numbers it would still be too busy when you factor in the amount of space needed for a queuing system. - It's one thing trying to manage some fans turning up on match day having been on the pre-match lash in pre COVID times - can you imagine the poor stewards/Police that have to do that plus factoring in safe distancing rules once in the ground? No chance. - Then you have the process of chosing who attends/making it fair/policing fans coming from different Tiered areas - oh and the big one - relying on fans to stay away if they are feeling ill on match day (but they've 'won the lottery' being selected to attend the match). Guarantee there will be some selfish **** that still goes to the match whos ill becasue they'd prefer to take the risk just to watch live football. Thats all it takes. I'm sure there are lots of other risks (and extra costs i'm sure the club don't need) too but you have to ask if it is all worth it? Personally, as shit as it is not being able to see City live and how having to make do with horrible emtpy stands during games, i'd rather stick with this approach at this stage with a Vaccine possibly just around the corner rather than risk peoples lives. (Apologies if my spelling is really bad)

If we're going to do a lockdown properly and try to tackle the Virus seriously then it has to be suspended - as does all sport. Unfortunately this Government couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery and if its true that schools and Universities stay open regardless then this next lockdown is only a half measure and won't work.

I feel sorry for the clubs and the lengths they have had to go to to prepare implementation of standards which are intended to keep fans safe only for this Government to scuper their plans. Unfortunately, while the efforts Colchester have gone to are commendable, they aren't able to account for the actions of the fans who do attend. While most fans probably will adhere and are careful, there will always be some that just don't care and and don't stick the Colchesters measures putting others at risk. I don't think pushing ahead with plans to allow fans back in is the right thing to do given the increase in rates right now. The questions then become how are some clubs saved from total collapse or should they be? It's a mess made even worse by the Governments inconsistent decisions causing so much confusion. Give it another 2 or 3 weeks though and we'll be in even strong lockdown rules when the Government see these latest (pitiful) measures won't slow this second wave - largely because so many people have given up being careful already. By that point the question of whether some fans should be allowed back in will be a much easier one to answer.

This is hugely frustrating (and damaging to clubs/sport) but i understand why given the numbers are increasing. I agree it's the right thing to do, however the situation is made harder to accept when there are so many inconsistencies from the governments rules. Unfortunately though we're in the middle of a pandemic and now in a second wave, so it would be crazy to encourage fans back in - even if in smaller numbers. Clubs might be able to demonstrate they can sit fans apart in the stands but unfortunately people aren't robots and some just don't get it and are likely to move around to sit closer to each other (I doubt the club will pay marshal's to police it so therefore i don't beleive it can be managed safely). Add in getting to and from the seats where clearly some fans won't (or can't) socially distant and suddenly the ability for this to be done safely reduces even further to the point where actually this could make a situation worse. Unfortunately there are too many people that have taken the piss since lockdown relaxed and the reality is this has contributed to making it worse for everyone (it's so frustrating for those that have been careful). Yes, I know the Government have made a shambles of this too but bloody hell, most people know what socially distance means and should take responsibility for their actions and not blame others. Unfortunately we live in a society now where people need to be handheld through life and it's always someone else's fault.

In the context of our recent form and his tactical choices, absolutely. He can't use this result in isolation to defend himself if he is sacked. However, he can use those 2 incidents as an excuse as to why we might not have got more from tonight.

It's a pretty decent excuse when you're 1 down and then go down to 10 men. Give Lee a break tonight. Mistakes from 2 players that have nothing to do with Lee.

I'd struggle to get that past the die hard OTIB LJ out brigade. Mind if they don't like that idea, I can always blame Lee ?

Hang on a minute. That moment from Weimann wasn't LJs fault. Players need to take responsibility for their mistakes.

Well done City so far. I'm looking forward to eating my words. More of the same lads

I get it, I do. The idea of football on a Saturday afternoon for some is their escape, a chance to socialise and a reminder of happy times. Football restarting might be a boost to peoples well being BUT it won't be the same and if I was one of those thousands who thought restarting this season is more beneficial to my well being over the risk it poses to those involved (let's face it, it could kill them) then I'm sorry but i'd need to take a serious look at myself. Sorry, but at this current time, with the restrictions still in place, how the hell can they restart football and risk lives for the sake of well being. Personally I don't think it has nothing to do with well being or the nations morale - it's to do with MONEY, end off and it's a disgrace that the football authorities and Governement would suggest otherwise.

What do you mean enough is enough? I take it you've had a word with the virus and told it to pack it in?

100% agree. I'm amazed and disapointed that authorities can't see this above any other reason they think justifies restarting. The Government are using the 'Moral lifting' statement to try to divert media attention (and criticism) away from their failings in handling the virus. Football authorities should be taking a higher stance and just say no. This will (hopefully) backfire massively on the football authorities if they do bow down and go through with resuming. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour from both parties.

This whole debate by the authorities is shameful in the current climate and shows a real disregard for players (their families), coaches, support staff and medical staff (not to mention any non football people that would be impacted under some of the rumoured plans, e.g. hotel staff needed if players are quarantined). It's also hugely disrespectful to the NHS and would be a needless drain on their limited resources given there will be an expectation on them to treat any infected players should that happen as a result of restarting this season. All the authorities care about is the money and greed. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know the risks are too significant to be thinking that football is a priority right now, let alone debating finishing the season by actually playing games. Scenario planning about when and how to restart for next season is the right and proper thing to do but exploring plans to actually finish this behind closed doors is offensive. This sport moves further and further away from the game I enjoyed so much. Not sure I could come back from this if football goes ahead right now.

Interesting listen (if genuine) - sounds like it could be. Good spot.

Absolutely, but as authorities are in a position where they know the current situation already and know the likely consequences of restarting it (therefore cannot use the usual post excuse of 'isn't hindsite great' or 'we didn't know this would happen'), there shouldn't even be discussions. A decision should have already been made to cancel it - it's easy. End the season and the leagues as it finished weekes ago. Not a difficult decision to make. You do the best you can to protect lives. That's the priority - end of. If authorities restart sport just to 'boost morale' when nothing has changed, e.g daily death rates are still high and there's still no vaccine ready then that would be criminal. People need to wake up and listen to the stories and reports directly from people on the frontline and ask them if sporting events should resume just to boost moral.

Agree. Football shouldn't even be considering restarting in the current climate even if it is behind closed doors as that alone will put players/officials and people there at risk, which just in the name of getting the season finished is completely wrong. The outcome of this season is irrelevant now. If even one person gets it and dies as a direct result of the season re-starting behind closed doors - would that have been worth it? Could anyone justify someones life as less important than the need to finish the season? Sporting events at this time should stay canned end of.

Nice of Spurs to 'remind players' of social distancing after video emerges of Mourinhio training a group of players in public - who clearly weren't adhering to the guidance the majority of us are trying to do. Was it essential to hold a training session? Hell no. Football is a joke at some of the levels of this game and the hypocrecy and lack of giving a shit (so many example recently- Liverpool, Grelish, Walker etc, etc). While I accept there are some doing great stuff at this time to help, there are too many that think they are above what we are all being asked to do. IT REALLY ISN'T DIFFICULT! But here we see yet another example of basically two fingers up to the NHS and those who are vulnerable in the name if sport. It's a ******* joke and there are ZERO excuses why footballers/managers should be ignoring the advice. Still it's nice that Spurs have 'reminded' them of their responsibilities, I'm sure that'll make a difference. Edit: as with all media reports, if this is fake news and is a video of an historic event made to look recent then I hold my hand up and apologise and take this post criticising Spurs back- given though that the club has responded would suggest it's genuine)

Assuming Doctors and scientists can be 100% certain that once you've had it you cant get it again.

Good point and I completely agree mate. I just remember hearing how much athletes prepare over such a long time for just this one moment. I have complete sympathy for them and it must be so difficult, but this (unfortunately) is a bigger issue. Also, Seb Coe should be ashamed and hang his head in shame, still waiting to make a decision. Really can't stand that bloke. Talk about self absorbed. Teeeeeewat!

They seem to care more about the money they've spent preparing the country and the financial impact rather than the health impacts. Yeah you can argue that athletes have trained for years for this moment also being a case for this to go ahead, but in wonder how many of them want to risk their health, or compete in empty venues. Why this wasnt postponed / cancelled whilst there are bigger more important things to focus on says a lot about the IOC.

It's all unknown isn't. Your question about the lockdown being longer term has much more economic impacts of people losing jobs/going out of business which could very well mean huge unemployment and possibly homelessness and then how does the country feed people? Lots of hypothesis which are all unknown, but what we do know (although the media aren't reporting it very well because it doesn't sell papers) is that the vast majority of people ony get mild symptoms and are recovering.