This story got me thinking... (a short thread)

#NUFC | #NUFCTakeover https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8652329/Away-fans-NOT-permitted-Premier-League-stadiums-season

I know some lads who hadn't missed an #NUFC game in decades until #ProjectRestart.

Home, away (even China, USA & beyond), gone to the lot.

Now they're facing up to the prospect of not seeing their team on their travels, potentially til next August.

#NUFCTakeover

#ProjectRestart and fans not in stadia for the end of 19/20 was softened by blanket TV coverage.

The new season will not. Only selected games will be live to view in the UK, *legally* via Sky, Amazon Prime, BT Sport.

#NUFC | #NUFCTakeover

So here's the issue. If a PL game is not on TV, only one set of fans will be able to watch (albeit reduced no). Other fans totally alienated. Some of those with most fervent passion for watching #NUFC (away day regulars) unaccounted for in reduced capacity stadia.

#NUFCTakeover

Now by no means with this post am I disagreeing with taking caution on getting fans back, or the measures taken. I just think it is at odds with the PL stance on piracy re #NUFCTakeover. #NUFC fans, and others, will find a way of watching said games, the ones not broadcast live.

Let's not be naive, or bury our heads in the sand. Pubs, clubs, bars will be showing them *illegally* - it's rife.

Everyone's heard about/seen a doctored Amazon Fire stick (for eg), used to *illegally* stream games/movies. It's nothing new.

#NUFC | #NUFCTakeover

Two wrongs don't make a right, of course. But the PL is quick to take moral highground on BeoutQ etc when I'm not even sure this country, & specifically the PL, is doing enough to prevent piracy - & in the PL's back yard?

#NUFC | #NUFCTakeover

The fan ban is not helping this fight (if there really is one), the away one less so.

Fans will become even more distant and disillusioned with their team, club - & I don't just mean #NUFC.

Surely more games on TV would curb UK piracy, not reduced numbers?

#NUFCTakeover

And of course, piracy has not been stated as the main issue. But I think we all know what would likely have happened had KSA agreed to PL demands re directorship and influence.

I also get this is all about £££.

#NUFC | #NUFCTakeover