Following the joint decision of The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA to further extend the postponement of the professional game until 30 April at the earliest, I wanted to take this opportunity to address our supporters.
The health and wellbeing of supporters, staff and players remains paramount in tackling this outbreak. As a Club, we continue to follow Government protocol.
We are all committed to finding ways of resuming the football season and ensuring matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. To this end, we supported UEFA's decision to postpone EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.
It was today determined that the limit for an end-date regards to the 2019/20 season would be extended indefinitely in relation to Professional Football. Additionally, it was collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April 2020.
Again, I must stress that with the fluid nature of this pandemic and potential developments with stakeholders, circumstances can change. The Club thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.
In alignment with EFL guidance, we are continuing to apply this footballing suspension to all activities at Oakwell, meaning that both our Academy and Reds in the Community programmes will also be affected until 30 April.
Due to the current circumstances, we kindly ask supporters to refrain from attempting to access Oakwell and the Academy to help prevent any potential spreading. In addition, professional footballers will not be on site, whilst the Club will continue to operate with a skeleton staff on reduced hours.
If supporters have any questions or issues regarding postponed fixtures and what it means to them in terms of refunds, the Reds Superstore and Main Reception will remain open and functional (9am-2pm Monday to Saturday), until further notice.
Barnsley FC will continue to liaise with relevant authorities and will update supporters with further developments.
Once again, I want to thank you for your understanding on this matter.
Dane Murphy
Barnsley FC Chief Executive
