QPR boss Mark Warburton called claims for the season to be declared null and void ‘ludicrous’ but understands that football is a 'micro-issue in a far bigger picture.'

 

QPR’s matches against Barnsley, Charlton and Fulham have all been suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw the EFL postpone all fixtures until April 3. 

 

However, while Warburton understands fans' frustrations around the effect the disease is having on football, he reiterated that everybody’s health is a priority.

 

“Firstly, we need to be clear here that football is a micro-issue in a far bigger picture where everybody’s health and well-being take priority,” Warburton told QPR’s official website. 

 

“We have to recognise that we are very much in unchartered territory.

 

“What’s the right thing to do? What’s the wrong thing to do? The reality is, nobody truly knows at this point. Everyone is working hard all the time and dealing with new information on a daily basis.”

 

Warburton explained that his players are currently not training during this week as he and the rest of the club review the situation in the next couple of days. 

 

He added: “We are preparing to play Middlesbrough on April 4 although, in my mind, I am 99.9 per cent certain that fixture will not be played on that date.

 

“Nevertheless, that is what we have to plan for and prepare accordingly for until we are told otherwise.

 

“Whenever the league resumes we have to do our best to make sure the players are fit and ready. Are we going to be as sharp as we were for our last game? No. That’s the honest reality, but we have to do what we can to make sure the loading on the players is right.

 

“There is plenty of speculation about what should be done with the rest of this season. I hear some people saying it should be declared null and void.

“For me, that is ludicrous. The season has to be finished. Firstly, stay safe and well. That’s the most important thing.

“Secondly, from a football perspective, when we come back we will need your support as much as ever and we’ll do all we can to make sure the players are in the best possible shape to perform.”