Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting to a post by the club on Twitter, which provides information about the prevention of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19) during football matches.
Following the news that the owner of Nottingham Forest, Evangelos Marinakis, who attended the match between Forest and Millwall last Friday evening, has been diagnosed with the virus, the footballing world appears to have stepped up its precations against the spreading the virus.
In a statement on the Newcastle website, the club stated: “Newcastle United has issued information in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the club takes proactive steps to prevent the illness spreading. While public access to Premier League matches remains unaffected, the club will keep supporters informed should authorities enforce a change.”
In reaction to the news, Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter, with many making light of the situation, while others have questioned the condition of the St James’ Park toilets.
#NUFC has issued information in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the club takes proactive steps to prevent the illness spreading.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 10, 2020
Any chance of you putting the hot water back on in the bogs?
— Gavin (@Gav_Ivison) March 10, 2020
Can he play striker?
— Luksu? (@_nufcLuke) March 10, 2020
At first I thought we had finally got a new investor group in COVID-19 but now I just realise it’s another disease trying to infect our club!
— Dan (@gingersaiyan9k) March 10, 2020
Any chance of hot water to wash our hands then please?!?
— Em G (@us5andwoody) March 10, 2020
I complain every week that toilets run out of soap and paper towels even before kick off. Nothing done. Toilets are antiquated and neglected. Not good.
— espie1 (@espie1) March 10, 2020
Well get stocked up with paper towels, always run out before K.O
— David Middleham (@DaveM_1992) March 10, 2020
What do we think?
Purley from a perspective of football, the spread of the coronavirus poses a very real threat to the Premier League operationally. If the situation remains as it is at present, a likely outcome will eventually be that games will be played behind closed doors, or even suspended entirely.
This has been the case in Italy, where initially Serie A games had been played behind closed doors, before the league was suspended until at least 3 April because of coronavirus.