Coronavirus: Cwmbran Celtic stance on the outcome of 2019/20 season

Cwmbran Celtic have called for the season to be brought to an end following the Coronavirus pandemic.

All levels of domestic football has been suspended until April 30 by the Football Association of Wales, including training.

Cwmbran Celtic – currently 13th in the Cymru South – have revealed a fixture proposal pitched by the Cymru Leagues which would cater for further delays up to May 30.

The apparent fixture proposal would see Cwmbran Celtic complete their domestic season on June 27, playing five Saturday matches and three mid-week fixtures. 

However Celtic are opposed to the idea and are of the idea of bringing the season to a premature end, rather than completing it at a later date.

An ardent statement published on their official club website said: “Notwithstanding that this is a commendable proposal to try and rescue the season, our opinion is that it is a non-starter.

“The main reason for this is that there is a bigger picture now – the health and safety of Welsh inhabitants is much more important that local football which would be a distraction in the current circumstances.

“The FAW needs to understand that a lot of footballers, club officials and supporters are tied up working overtime keeping the country’s essential services going and/or having extra childcare responsibilities. 

“Does a footballer, club official or supporter who is a NHS employee or key worker have the time or energy to bother with football?

“We think not. Then there is the matter of keeping the players fit. They cannot train together so will be left to their own devices.”

The English FA declared non-league and women’s divisions null and void earlier this week due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

Leagues below the Vanarama National League North/South were brought to an immediate end. 

Following the decision, it was revealed there would be no promotion or relegations. 

Cwmbran Celtic have offered a solution to bringing the season to an abrupt end.

“Regrettably we think the season has to end now. If this happens how do they decide champions, runners, up, promotion and relegation?

“The Welsh League has already ludicrously decided the Reserve and Youth Leagues on current positions despite some teams being placed to overtake the top clubs because of games in hand.

“In view of the worsening day by day situation, it is reasonable to assume that all of the rest of Welsh football has finished for the season.

“For Cwmbran Celtic, the Welsh League has already decided to end the Reserve East League. It is 99% certain that there will be no more football for our 3rd team, Women, Vets and Junior sides.”

Further in the statement, Cwmbran Celtic offered three options to conclude the season.

Cwmbran Celtic’s three options to finish the season

– No champions, runners up, promotion or relegation.

– Decide league positions, promotion and relegation by dividing points by the number of games played.

– Decide champions, runners, up as above but do not have relegation – meaning larger divisions for next season for one season only.

(Featured Image: Darren Griffiths)