Liverpool could have been crowned Premier League champions on Monday for the first time in a generation. Instead, the stadium will be silent and the streets empty.

Jurgen Klopp's team needed Manchester City to lose to Burnley on Saturday to give them a chance to seal the deal at their local rivals Everton two days later.

Also read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/champions-league-atletico-madrid-come-from-behind-to-knock-out-liverpool-from-round-of-16-285741">Champions League: Atletico Madrid come from behind to knock-out Liverpool from Round of 16</a>

Regardless of whether it would have happened at Goodison Park or over the coming weeks, their first top-flight title for 30 years was a mere formality.&nbsp;

But now fans are wondering when, or even if, they will be crowned champions after the coronavirus laid waste to the global sporting calendar.

The message coming from Liverpool is that there are more important issues than football to talk about, even with the club tantalisingly close to glory.

"I've said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things," Klopp said in a statement on Friday.&nbsp;

"Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all.

"If it's a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it's no contest. Really, it isn't."

Klopp's stance won him the support of World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who thanked him for his "powerful message".

Liverpool supporters, desperate to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of the English game, agree with their German manager, saying the pandemic overshadows football.

Supporters' union Spirit of Shankly is focusing on the damaging fallout from the COVID-19 virus.

"In talks with @lfc we asked for assurances that non-playing staff will not lose their pay as a consequence of shifts being cancelled," it said in a statement.

"We also need to keep in mind those most vulnerable. Cancelling football games means (foodbanks) will be hit hard."

Liverpool have stumbled in recent weeks, knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid and dumped out of the FA Cup by Chelsea.

But they have been peerless in the Premier League, leaving their rivals in their wake to race 25 points clear of defending champions Manchester City.

With Alisson Becker in goal, Virgil van Dijk marshalling the defence and their devastating front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Klopp's men have been irresistible.&nbsp;

Paul Hayward, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said Liverpool should be crowned champions for the 19th time even if no more games are played.

"If a season ends too soon, its natural winning line is the point it reached before the halt was called: emphatically so, 29 games into a 38-match campaign, which is a respectable distance," he wrote.

'Voiding' the 2019/20 football season would be nonsense," he added. "Handing over the trophy at any point where clubs were forced to give up would feel morally correct."

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber said if the season were to be "frozen" it would be unjust on Liverpool.

"Everybody in the game appreciates what a fantastic season they've had and what a wonderful team they are," he told the BBC.

"But equally it would be unjust for teams to be relegated when there are still eight, nine, ten games to play of the Premier League."

But West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said if the fixtures could not be completed, the only fair solution would be to declare the season "null and void".

Writing in the Sun, Brady, whose club are just two places above the relegation zone, said: "Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full?

"A huge blow to Liverpool, who might be robbed of their first title in 30 years."

Nobody knows when football will return but, when it finally does, many in the game hope Liverpool are given the chance to complete their long journey back to the top.

Liverpool could have been crowned Premier League champions on Monday for the first time in a generation. Instead, the stadium will be silent and the streets empty.

Liverpool could have been crowned Premier League champions on Monday for the first time in a generation. Instead, the stadium will be silent and the streets empty. Jurgen Klopp's team needed Manchester City to lose to Burnley on Saturday to give them a chance to seal the deal at their local rivals Everton two days later. Also read: Champions League: Atletico Madrid come from behind to knock-out Liverpool from Round of 16 Regardless of whether it would have happened at Goodison Park or over the coming weeks, their first top-flight title for 30 years was a mere formality. But now fans are wondering when, or even if, they will be crowned champions after the coronavirus laid waste to the global sporting calendar. The message coming from Liverpool is that there are more important issues than football to talk about, even with the club tantalisingly close to glory. "I've said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things," Klopp said in a statement on Friday. "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all. "If it's a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it's no contest. Really, it isn't." Klopp's stance won him the support of World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who thanked him for his "powerful message". Liverpool supporters, desperate to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of the English game, agree with their German manager, saying the pandemic overshadows football. Supporters' union Spirit of Shankly is focusing on the damaging fallout from the COVID-19 virus. "In talks with @lfc we asked for assurances that non-playing staff will not lose their pay as a consequence of shifts being cancelled," it said in a statement. "We also need to keep in mind those most vulnerable. Cancelling football games means (foodbanks) will be hit hard." Liverpool have stumbled in recent weeks, knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid and dumped out of the FA Cup by Chelsea. But they have been peerless in the Premier League, leaving their rivals in their wake to race 25 points clear of defending champions Manchester City. With Alisson Becker in goal, Virgil van Dijk marshalling the defence and their devastating front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Klopp's men have been irresistible. Paul Hayward, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said Liverpool should be crowned champions for the 19th time even if no more games are played. "If a season ends too soon, its natural winning line is the point it reached before the halt was called: emphatically so, 29 games into a 38-match campaign, which is a respectable distance," he wrote. 'Voiding' the 2019/20 football season would be nonsense," he added. "Handing over the trophy at any point where clubs were forced to give up would feel morally correct." Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber said if the season were to be "frozen" it would be unjust on Liverpool. "Everybody in the game appreciates what a fantastic season they've had and what a wonderful team they are," he told the BBC. "But equally it would be unjust for teams to be relegated when there are still eight, nine, ten games to play of the Premier League." But West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said if the fixtures could not be completed, the only fair solution would be to declare the season "null and void". Writing in the Sun, Brady, whose club are just two places above the relegation zone, said: "Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full? "A huge blow to Liverpool, who might be robbed of their first title in 30 years." Nobody knows when football will return but, when it finally does, many in the game hope Liverpool are given the chance to complete their long journey back to the top.

Liverpool left to wait and wonder after coronavirus strikes

New Manchester United signing Bruno Fernandes was unable to inspire a victory on his debut on Saturday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-rashford-sidelined-uniteds-solskjaer-eyes-signings-275370">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side</a> were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-hit-new-low-after-getting-defeated-by-burnley-276109">Premier League</a>. The result leaves United in sixth place, six points behind Chelsea who occupy the fourth Champions League spot, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-man-utd-held-by-wolves-man-city-cruise-through-272201">Wolves </a>are seventh, level on 35 points with United. Sheffield United are a point better off in fifth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaers-man-utd-scrap-plans-to-set-training-camps-in-middle-east-amidst-high-tensions-274342">United </a>now have a two-week break before their crunch game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Feb. 17. Portugal international Fernandes, who joined United on Thursday from Sporting in a move which reportedly cost an initial 55 million euros ($61 million), was thrown straight into the starting midfield. The 25-year-old was heavily involved in United's build-up play, playing in an advanced role in the first half and then switching to a deeper holding role after the break.

<img alt="Premier League" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d18eba49-377a-4a06-b4d0-0db46f885320" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T125348.422.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Manchester United's Fred, Diogo Dalot and Jesse Lingard react (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"Bruno is a top player," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hard-night-ahead-for-manchester-united-solskjaer-271952">Solskjaer</a>. "It's the first game. First half everyone was getting the ball into feet and Bruno is one of those who, when he gets into feet, he wants players moving in front of him and we didn't (do that). He'll be a top addition." Fernandes had a good opportunity just before the break with the ball falling to him invitingly but his well-struck effort was straight at compatriot Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-solskjaer-needs-time-to-make-lasting-impact-at-manchester-united-guardiola-272687">FA cup: Solskjaer needs time to make lasting impact at Manchester United — Guardiola</a>

The midfielder tested the Wolves keeper with a long-range free-kick after the break and Juan Mata saw an effort flash just wide of the post. After Wolves striker Raul Jimenez tested David de Gea at the end of a swift counter-attack, Romain Saiss then missed a great chance, heading wide from inside the box. United could have snatched the points in stoppage time when Aaron Wan-Bissaka delivered a dangerous cross from the right but substitute Diogo Dalot's header was off target.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was satisfied with his team's effort."It was a good performance at Old Trafford and a good game for us. United are a good team. "It was balanced and both teams had chances and wanted to win. I'm happy with the performance," he said. 
&nbsp;

New Manchester United signing Bruno Fernandes was unable to inspire a victory on his debut on Saturday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

New Manchester United signing Bruno Fernandes was unable to inspire a victory on his debut on Saturday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were held to a 0-0 draw at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. The result leaves United in sixth place, six points behind Chelsea who occupy the fourth Champions League spot, while Wolves are seventh, level on 35 points with United. Sheffield United are a point better off in fifth. United now have a two-week break before their crunch game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Feb. 17. Portugal international Fernandes, who joined United on Thursday from Sporting in a move which reportedly cost an initial 55 million euros ($61 million), was thrown straight into the starting midfield. The 25-year-old was heavily involved in United's build-up play, playing in an advanced role in the first half and then switching to a deeper holding role after the break. [ Manchester United's Fred, Diogo Dalot and Jesse Lingard react (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Bruno is a top player," said Solskjaer. "It's the first game. First half everyone was getting the ball into feet and Bruno is one of those who, when he gets into feet, he wants players moving in front of him and we didn't (do that). He'll be a top addition." Fernandes had a good opportunity just before the break with the ball falling to him invitingly but his well-struck effort was straight at compatriot Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal. Also Read: FA cup: Solskjaer needs time to make lasting impact at Manchester United — Guardiola The midfielder tested the Wolves keeper with a long-range free-kick after the break and Juan Mata saw an effort flash just wide of the post. After Wolves striker Raul Jimenez tested David de Gea at the end of a swift counter-attack, Romain Saiss then missed a great chance, heading wide from inside the box. United could have snatched the points in stoppage time when Aaron Wan-Bissaka delivered a dangerous cross from the right but substitute Diogo Dalot's header was off target. Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was satisfied with his team's effort."It was a good performance at Old Trafford and a good game for us. United are a good team. "It was balanced and both teams had chances and wanted to win. I'm happy with the performance," he said.

Manchester United held by Wolves on Fernandes debut

Saudi Arabia's crown prince is not seeking to buy Premier League football club Manchester United, the kingdom's media minister said on Monday, denying reports and adding that there had only been a meeting with the Saudi wealth fund regarding sponsorship.

Reports that Mohammed Bin Salman intends to buy the club are "completely false", the minister, Turki al-Shabanah, wrote on social network Twitter.

He was reacting to reports that the crown prince had sought to tempt the Glazer family to cede control of the club.

"Manchester United held a meeting with PIF Saudi to discuss (a) sponsorship opportunity," Shabanah said, adding that no deal materialised.

On Sunday, the British newspaper, the Sun, said the crown prince was in a £3.8-billion ($4.9-billion) takeover bid for one of football's most popular clubs.

The paper said a bid was first submitted in October but the fallout from the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's embassy in Istanbul put the "skids" on a potential offer.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince is not seeking to buy Premier League football club Manchester United, the kingdom's media minister said on Monday, denying reports and adding that there had only been a meeting with the Saudi wealth fund regarding sponsorship.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince is not seeking to buy Premier League football club Manchester United, the kingdom's media minister said on Monday, denying reports and adding that there had only been a meeting with the Saudi wealth fund regarding sponsorship. Reports that Mohammed Bin Salman intends to buy the club are "completely false", the minister, Turki al-Shabanah, wrote on social network Twitter. He was reacting to reports that the crown prince had sought to tempt the Glazer family to cede control of the club. "Manchester United held a meeting with PIF Saudi to discuss (a) sponsorship opportunity," Shabanah said, adding that no deal materialised. On Sunday, the British newspaper, the Sun, said the crown prince was in a £3.8-billion ($4.9-billion) takeover bid for one of football's most popular clubs. The paper said a bid was first submitted in October but the fallout from the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's embassy in Istanbul put the "skids" on a potential offer.

Saudi Arabia denies crown prince seeks to buy Manchester United

Don't leave your iPad at home this holiday. Starting Sunday, Europeans on vacation can enjoy their online entertainment such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer as if at home all across Europe.

Europeans spend about one billion nights in other EU countries every year but until now faced a frustrating inability to access subscription services or national broadcasters while outside their home country.

All that changes on Easter Sunday, when new portability rules will allow travellers in the EU to access their online content when they’re away from home.&nbsp

"As of April 1, wherever you are travelling to in the EU, you will no longer miss out on your favourite films, TV series, sports broadcasts, games or e-books, that you have digitally subscribed to at home," an EU statement said.

As it stands, a subscriber to the Netflix or Amazon Prime streaming service in, for example, France, only has access to the service as it is available in the country being visited, where the supply of movies or TV series often drastically differs to the home version.

In another example, digital subscribers to Sky Sports in London are unable to access Premier League football matches on their iPads or laptops when travelling abroad.&nbsp

The EU hopes the measure should prevent users from using illegal broadcast services or virtual networks, known as VPNs, that connect to a service by hiding its true location.&nbsp

The European Commission estimates that at least 29 million people, or 5.7 per cent of EU consumers, could use cross-border portability this year, and that number could reach 72 million by 2020.

Starting Sunday, Europeans on vacation can enjoy their online entertainment such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer as if at home all across Europe

Don't leave your iPad at home this holiday. Starting Sunday, Europeans on vacation can enjoy their online entertainment such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer as if at home all across Europe. Europeans spend about one billion nights in other EU countries every year but until now faced a frustrating inability to access subscription services or national broadcasters while outside their home country. All that changes on Easter Sunday, when new portability rules will allow travellers in the EU to access their online content when they’re away from home. "As of April 1, wherever you are travelling to in the EU, you will no longer miss out on your favourite films, TV series, sports broadcasts, games or e-books, that you have digitally subscribed to at home," an EU statement said. As it stands, a subscriber to the Netflix or Amazon Prime streaming service in, for example, France, only has access to the service as it is available in the country being visited, where the supply of movies or TV series often drastically differs to the home version. In another example, digital subscribers to Sky Sports in London are unable to access Premier League football matches on their iPads or laptops when travelling abroad. The EU hopes the measure should prevent users from using illegal broadcast services or virtual networks, known as VPNs, that connect to a service by hiding its true location. The European Commission estimates that at least 29 million people, or 5.7 per cent of EU consumers, could use cross-border portability this year, and that number could reach 72 million by 2020.

New EU rules let you watch Netflix, BBC abroad