x

Lambert: We May Have to Accept Behind-Closed-Doors Games - Ipswich Town News

Boss Paul Lambert concedes that the 2019/20 season may have to be completed behind closed doors, even if he is far from a fan of games being played without supporters present.

Earlier today, it was reported that there are proposals to restart the season in June with matches played behind closed doors.

"There are a few reasons this season has to finish,” Lambert told the club site.

"For us, we have a good chance to be involved in the promotion race and for football in general, there are too many questions left to answer for the season to be null and void.

"In an ideal world, we will finish the season with supporters in stadiums. The timescale is the problem, we just don’t know when we will be able to start again.

"We may have to accept that we play behind closed doors when the season resumes. I don’t like that.

"Football is for the fans and I can guarantee you that it won’t feel the same if you are winning games and lifting trophies if there are no fans there.

"Liverpool have waited 30 years to win the league. Imagine them celebrating at Anfield with no one there.

"People’s lives are more important than football though and if it means we have to go down the closed doors route, we will just have to accept it.”

The Blues, 10th in League One, seven points off the play-offs, have eight games left to play, five at home, three away.

What to read next:

Town and Bromley Meet For First Time in Carabao Cup
Town face League Town Bromley at Hayes Lane in the Carabao Cup first round on Tuesday evening in the clubs’ first ever competitive meeting (Sky Sports, KO 8pm).
Akpom: It's Been a Mad Few Days But I'm Glad to Be Here
New Blues signing Chuba Akpom is delighted to have completed his season-long loan move to Town from Ajax after what he admits was “a mad few days”.
Blues Target Miller Set For Serie A
Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller is set to join Serie A Udinese, despite Town having made an offer for the 18-year-old, according to a report in Scotland.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Confirm Akpom Loan Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Police Reviewing CCTV of Birmingham Fan Incident
West Midlands Police say they are “reviewing CCTV footage” as they look into the incident in which Town midfielder Jack Taylor appeared to be assaulted by a Birmingham City fan during Friday’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
Sassuolo 'Closing in On Muric Loan'
Serie A new boys Sassuolo have revived their interest in Blues keeper Aro Muric and are closing in on a loan deal for the Kosovo international, according to a report in Italy.
New Keeper Starts as U21s Lose Friendly at West Ham
Town U21s, featuring a recently signed new goalkeeper, were beaten 1-0 by West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground in their final friendly of pre-season yesterday.
Hirst: Cajuste's One of the Best I've Ever Played With
Town striker George Hirst has hailed Jens Cajuste as one of the best players he has ever played with following the Swede’s return to the club on loan from Napoli earlier this week.