'Miss the buzz' - Sheffield United star opens up over prospect of playing games behind-closed-doors amidst pandemic

Amidst all the pandemic-inspired talk of 'the new normal', it seems that football may have to get used to the idea of playing games behind closed doors for the foreseeable future thanks to the impact of Covid-19.
Sheffield United last played at Bramall Lane in March, when they beat Premier League rivals Norwich City to finish the latest round of fixtures ranked seventh: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesSheffield United last played at Bramall Lane in March, when they beat Premier League rivals Norwich City to finish the latest round of fixtures ranked seventh: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Sheffield United last played at Bramall Lane in March, when they beat Premier League rivals Norwich City to finish the latest round of fixtures ranked seventh: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Some reports have even suggested that fans will not be allowed to return to stadiums for live games until a coronavirus vaccine is readily available.

Germany's Bundesliga recently returned to action, without fans, with the Premier League hoping to follow suit soon.

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And although the sight of live football coming back in this country is welcome, the idea of playing without supporters continues to divide opinion.

“If games had to be played behind closed doors, it wouldn’t be the same, no matter what anybody says," Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore told County Press.

“The fans make football and the atmosphere in the ground. But if we, as professional footballers, have to play with no fans there, but can bring some joy to people watching on television, then we will do it.

“As long as it’s safe to do so, I think people would be more than happy to get things going and get it played — but it’s out of our hands.

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“We’d love to get playing and get back to normality. But playing behind closed doors would be like playing a reserve game.

“I’ve played in stadiums behind closed doors — reserve games with 30,000 capacity seating.

“It’s very quiet and eerie. You would miss that buzz from the fans and their emotion.”

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