EFL chairman Rick Parry backed by players in call for government support
Leyton Orient captain Jobi McAnuff insists players are feeling the force of playing without supporters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.English Football League chairman Rick Parry has been backed by Leyton Orient captain Jobi McAnuff following his forceful letter to the Government to provide support.
McAnuff has revealed how players have been hit hard by the ongoing absence of fans at stadiums.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s administration were accused of snubbing football clubs throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with the warning that unless a financial rescue package is provided, clubs will go to the wall.
With no fans at games in the UK since March, the prolonged loss of gate receipts has hit clubs hard, with McAnuff adamant the players are feeling the effect too.
"Of course all this can have a direct impact on the playing squad," McAnuff told Sky Sports.
"Of course it has an impact, it affects when we travel to and from games, and many other things. It affects the atmosphere.
"We're desperate to get fans back in, safely of course.
"But if that's not going to happen we're going to need some funding from somewhere."
EFL boss Parry has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to detail the major cash crisis faced due to the effects of Covid-19 and matches being played behind closed doors since March.
The Government insists no fans will return to stadiums this year, with pilot events halted due to a second wave of coronavirus cases.
The EFL has negotiated with the Premier League over a bailout, but no deal has yet been struck.
Parry warned the Government fans "will never forgive" them if their clubs go out of business, and former Ipswich and Wolves boss Mick McCarthy backed that stance.
McCarthy believes clubs going out of business would devastate local communities, heaping yet more misery on areas already ravaged by the impact of the pandemic.
Asked about Parry's letter to Government, McCarthy told Sky Sports: "His letter makes sense to me to be quite honest.
"Football certainly needs it (a financial rescue package).
"The devastating effect this has all had, it's hit the likes of Bury, that area, how it affects people.
"If clubs do go to the wall it will have a real negative effect."
PA contributed to this report
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments