LETTER: Don't play politics with people's lives on the sporting field

The virus crisis is showing just how badly prepared the UK was for a crisis. Sport has shown no ability to handle the challenge with plans for no spectator events. Formula One is now talking of having a 'biosphere" for races and maybe TV would pay for it. But the no spectator plan makes even less sense in football.

Running football with no spectators in a mix mash of neutral venues and ad hoc tests is not reasonable or fair. It is not surprising that Sergio Aguero of Manchester city has said "the majority of players are scared because they have children and families". It is not even certain the money is there to do this. Perhaps the Premiership has the TV cash, but the lower divisions need spectators. Otherwise some clubs will go bankrupt.

It is bizarre that in two world wars, football was suspended in an organised fashion and not a single club went under as a result. What is driving the reckless finish at all costs philosophy? Stop now. relegation would have to be suspended as no club has gone beyond the point of no return, and the top teams would need to be promoted - but no play-offs. Then do proper planning for 2020-21.

In the worst plans currently being discussed, no spectator games might take up the whole of next season. It is unrealistic. If the virus has not been beaten then games cannot be played. And as the virus will not be beaten this side of summer, the season has to be suspended. Do not play politics with lives.

Trevor Fisher, Stafford