National League heavily criticised by managers over decision to play amid coronavirus pandemic
Strevens: "Whoever sits on the board of the National League cared about money, simple as that"
Sunday 15 March 2020 14:29, UK
Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens accused the National League of greed and said there was "no way whatsoever" matches should have gone ahead this weekend given the coronavirus pandemic.
The National League's decision came after the EFL and Premier League both suspended games until at least April 3 and 4 respectively, with six of the 12 scheduled fixtures taking place over Friday and Saturday.
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There were 4,942 in attendance on Saturday as Notts County beat Eastleigh 4-0 in a match that Eastleigh boss Strevens believes should never have been played.
"The reason National League games went ahead and the EFL games didn't go ahead and the Premier League games didn't go ahead is because whoever sits on the board of the National League cared about money," he said. "Simple as that.
"For the well-being of the spectators and it's not only players because they're young, fit athletes. It's nothing to do with that.
"It's the supporters who come here - and it's not only the supporters, we've got a kitman who is an old boy.
"I looked around today and there's stewards that are older. They're the ones that are most at risk from this virus.
"There's no way whatsoever these games should have been played.
"If the EFL are not playing them and if the Premier League are not playing them, then the National League shouldn't be playing them."
Chesterfield boss: No common sense in playing today
Chesterfield manager John Pemberton, whose side drew 1-1 with Dover Athletic, described the decision as "stupid" and lacking common sense.
"We've all got families. I've got an 81-year-old father who lives on his own and I can't go to see him now because we don't know where we are," Pemberton said.
"We have players who have young families, young children, parents and grandparents.
"There's no common sense in playing this game today."
Maidenhead United manager: It's wrong, football comes second
Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire says he does not understand the National League's decision not to follow the lead of the EFL and Premier League.
"It's about people's lives. How we're playing today, I do not know," he said after his side's 2-1 defeat to Stockport.
"The EFL and the Premier League have made a decision, near enough every other league has followed them, and how the National League hasn't you'll have to ask them. It's wrong."
Coronavirus - key sporting developments
- Premier League, EFL, FA Cup and Women's Super League suspended
- Champions League and Europa League matches postponed
- England Test series in Sri Lanka postponed
- Golf's Players Championship is cancelled
- F1 cancels Australian GP
- Coronavirus: NFL teams suspend travel
- NBA season suspended "until further notice"
- Euro 2020 likely to be postponed by UEFA
- ATP Tour suspended for six weeks
- PRO14 season postponed until further notice
