28/04/2020
There has been lots of talk recently about the restarting of certain sports, which have not been played since the lockdown caused by the coronavirus. This isn't just an issue in the UK, but affects most countries around the world.
The first F1 race of the 2020 season was aborted at very late notice, with the whole F1 circus having already arrived in Melbourne, and with preparations complete and coverage due to start.
Initially, it was the McLaren F1 team who withdrew from the race weekend, after a member of their team tested positive for the coronavirus and a further 14 members had to go into quarantine as a result of their close working relationships.
This lead to a significant amount of work on the part of the key stakeholders, in order to work out what they should do. Ross Brawn, F1's Managing Director of Motorsports and Technical Director, was the man responsible for coordinating the response. He had to liaise with the teams, the sponsors, the FIA, the Australian F1 company and with his own CEO Chase Carey.
The decision made was to cancel the event.
In the following weeks, other sporting events were also cancelled; although there was significant criticism that some sporting events and pop concerts were allowed to go ahead.
Now though, they are suggesting that football matches in the UK may start in June; with four possible dates on the table. Yes; these would be played behind closed doors, but the government hasn't yet given any indication that groups of friends could be permitted to play together; even just a few of them.
I'm sure that, for many - especially male - members of the population, the return of football to our screens will be a welcome relief. However, football is a close contact sport. It may not be as intense and body on body physical as rugby, but it's still a contact sport.
I don't have an issue with players returning to training, as long as social distancing is adhered to; as appeared to be the case in the case of Arsenal this week. However, any public discussion of a return to professional football should wait until others are able to interact with each other again.
If we want the general public to resist the urge to flout the existing regulations, we need to show them that the rules apply equally to everyone; not just ordinary people.
There are some sports that are not dependent upon physical contact with other competitors. However, even those should not be restarted until it can be shown that all competitors and others involved in the support of the competition can be kept safe.
Formula 1 has now cancelled all races until the end of June. The British Grand Prix is scheduled for the second half of July and the organisers have written to those who had tickets to let them know that the race (if it does go ahead) will be without fans in attendance.
Much as I would love to see F1 on my TV screen again, I only want that to happen if it is judged safe for all those involved.
There should not be a rush to bring sports back to our screens before it is safe.
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