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Coronavirus Kent: The National League and Southern Counties East League both shut down

18:27, 16 March 2020

updated: 20:23, 16 March 2020

The National League and Southern Counties East League have suspended all their matches due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Games took place in the respective leagues on Saturday.

The National League and Southern Counties East League have suspended matches due to the coronavirus outbreak
The National League and Southern Counties East League have suspended matches due to the coronavirus outbreak

But following the stance set by the Premier League and the Football League last week, the National League has been suspended until April 3, while the Southern Counties East League (SCEFL) has suspended all fixtures up to and including March 28.

Dover, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Maidstone and Tonbridge are among the clubs within the three divisions within the National League to be affected.

A National League statement read: “At its board meeting on Friday, the National League decided to use its best endeavours to keep its season going in the face of unprecedented adversity.

“However with the current coronavirus (COVID-19) reaching global pandemic levels, it (the league) has to accept that the situation is now out of its own control.

“In the knowledge of the government measures now announced including not to support sporting events with emergency services workers, it is clearly not practical for its fixtures to be fulfilled in the immediate future.

“In those circumstances and in line with The Football Association and the professional game, at a board meeting today, the National League has decided that its competition is now suspended until at least April 3, 2020.

“The National League will continue to monitor the situation but trusts that its loyal clubs, fans, players, officials, staff, volunteers and sponsors will accept that it has had no other choice but to reach this decision.

“It wishes everybody connected with the competition, and indeed the whole country, a safe passage through these turbulent times.”

A whole host of Kent clubs from the SCEFL leagues will also be affected with their matches postponed.

“Following the advice just given by the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) that ‘all non-essential social contact’ should be avoided, it is now appropriate to suspend the league season and all fixtures scheduled up to and including Saturday, March 28 2020 will be postponed,” a SCEFL statement read.

“The Southern Counties East League will continue to monitor the situation on a regular basis, using government and FA guidance to decide if it will be appropriate to recommence after that date.

“Thank you for your patience in this matter but it is an ever-changing picture.”

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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