Premier League matches to be played in empty stadiums - report

A fan wears a mask to helps protect himself from the new coronavirus attends a second leg, round of 16, Champions League soccer match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Photo: AP Photo/Jon Super

A fan wears a mask to helps protect himself from the new coronavirus attends a second leg, round of 16, Champions League soccer match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Photo: AP Photo/Jon Super

Published Mar 12, 2020

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LONDON – All Premier League and lower division matches in England are to be played without spectators amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Times reported on Wednesday.

The report said the season will not be postponed and that the games behind closed doors will not be shown in pubs "to avoid congregation of people".

About 450 people in Britain have been infected by coronavirus and eight have died.

The Times said "the plan may be implemented once the number of UK coronavirus cases passes 500".

ICYMI: Man City v Arsenal has been postponed as a precautionary measure

➡️ https://t.co/v1WOnC7AXT pic.twitter.com/C6UjVafDwA

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 11, 2020

Italy's Serie A has been suspended while French Ligue 1 and Spanish La Liga games are being played without spectators.

Juventus on Wednesday said their defender Daniele Rugani had tested positive for coronavirus, casting doubt on the Italian side's Champions League last-16 return leg against Olympique Lyonnais next week. 

Reuters

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