Gary Lineker and Robbie Fowler call for measures supporting Leeds United's promotion bid

GARY LINEKER and Robbie Fowler are both hoping for steps that would allow Leeds United to complete their promotion bid.
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United have seen their push to secure Premier League football halted due to the country's battle against coronavirus which has the EFL season suspended and the country on lockdown until at least May 7.

The EFL have again stated this weekend that their priority is to resume the 2019-20 season as soon as it is possible with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on guidance from the relevant authorities.

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It is, though, a varying story in other leagues throughout Europe with the Dutch authorities taking the most extreme action in cancelling the remainder of their season and effectively null and voiding the campaign with no title winners, relegation or promotion.

WHITES BACKING: From former England star Gary Lineker. Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images.WHITES BACKING: From former England star Gary Lineker. Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images.
WHITES BACKING: From former England star Gary Lineker. Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images.

Journalist Piers Morgan has highlighted the measure as the "only fair way to resolve the season" but former England star Lineker responded on the contrary with his views which were also shared by former Whites and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler in his Sunday Mirror column.

"(It) may well prove to be the only way. Hardly the fairest way, though?" said Lineker, in relation to what has happened in Holland.

"Whilst perspective is important during these awful times, it would be fairer to try, if possible, to finish it. Is it viable? Probably not, but that’s a different question."

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Writing in his Sunday Mirror column, Fowler said: "UEFA decided during the week that all domestic league campaigns have to be finished by the end of July.

MEMORIES: Robbie Fowler celebrates scoring Leeds United's winning goal at Sunderland in December 2002. Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images.MEMORIES: Robbie Fowler celebrates scoring Leeds United's winning goal at Sunderland in December 2002. Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images.
MEMORIES: Robbie Fowler celebrates scoring Leeds United's winning goal at Sunderland in December 2002. Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images.

"I can see the sense in hoping that's the case.

"But what if it isn't possible? Voiding the season would lead to all kinds of legal challenges - and so would any attempt to rule that league tables should stand from the date the lockdown came.

"I don't envy the men who are paid the big bucks to make these decisions.

"But my preference would be for the season to be played to completion, regardless of whether that eats into the rest of the year.

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"No doubt, I'll be accused of Liverpool bias for suggesting that.

"Do I want to see my old club crowned Premier League champions? Of course, I do - but not least because it is what Klopp and his players deserve.

"Again, if it is decided that scenario isn't possible, then Liverpool supporters will just have to swallow the medicine.

"But my views aren't just based on Liverpool's fate.

"Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester were challenging for the two top-four places still available when the game was halted.

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"Another seven at the bottom of the table were fighting relegation, while Leeds, West Brom and a clutch of play-off hopefuls in the Championship were bidding to land the £100 million promotion prize."

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