With the ongoing worldwide spread of COVID-19 many concerts, football leagues, marathons and other social gatherings have been forced to temporarily delay or reschedule dates.
In terms of sport in the country, the Premier league, Football League and National League has temporarily been put on hold until at least 30th April.
Despite this, The FA have taken further measures in regards to all leagues below the national league, to expunge the 2019/20 season meaning no promotions or relegations will be seen this summer.
In the FA’s statement they said: “These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game,”
It also stressed in it statement, how vital it was for the association to consider the ‘safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.’
While some fans may be relieved at the expulsion of the season, it’s not the same reaction from every club to say the least.
Tyne and Wear side South Shields founded in 1974, were sat at the top of the Northern Premier League by twelve points with only nine games left to spare.
With Promotion foreseeable for the sixth tier side, the reaction from The Mariners’ fans has been vociferous.
Tony Brewer, supporter of the side said: “yet the Scottish Highland league with more than 10 games to go already cancelled its season and awarded Brora Rangers the title. Same should have happened to Northern Premier League (s). Shocking FA decision.”
The fans have not been short of seeing success in recent years, after seeing their side string together several formidable performances to win the FA Vase three years ago.
Another fan conveyed his disagreement to the decision made by The FA.
@Jordan_Ruzza described the expulsion as ‘disgusting’ and ‘shortsighted.’
He also spoke on how this may stunt the ‘ambitions of teams.’
The North East of England has been renowned for years, for having fans that would lose a limb for their football clubs including Newcastle United , Sunderland and Carlisle United.
The passion and togetherness for the sport in the area was demonstrated by Phillip Applegarth, a follower of Gateshead F.C , South Shield’s neighbours with just six miles seperating the two stadiums.
He said: “Gutted for Ssfc, the more north east clubs higher up the leagues the better”.
This goes to show how the abrupt cancellation to The Mariner’s promotion celebrations has touched the thoughts of other local sides regardless of any rivalry.
The side, in hands of Chairman Geoff Thompson, have expressed their plans to take ‘legal action’ or ‘seek an appeal’ in follow up to the decisions from the FA.
Alongside this fans have also grouped to set up a change.org in attempt to sway the FA’s decision to conclude all leagues below the fifth-tier.
Only time will tell to see if the raw emotion of fans surfacing across social media and the action taken by fans, will elevate South Shields chance of promotion to the National League and other clubs hoping to climb the ladder this year.
FAN FOCUS 