'Players' income funded by television money,' Behind closed doors Premier League realistic says PFA's Bobby Barnes

Football in England is off until April 30 at the earliest because of the pandemic and Barnes believes there is no alternative if the Premier League and the EFL want to finish the season.

Barnes' comments are in contrast to Brighton striker Glenn Murray and defender Dan Burn, who both previously stated they ideally want to see out the Premier League campaign in front of packed stadiums

"In an ideal world we'd be playing in front of crowds but I think it's more a case of there being no alternative," Barnes said.

"Players are realistic. We're not in an ideal world and the players I've spoken to accept that's what it will have to be.

"I've been speaking to players on a daily basis and the conversations were based around not wanting to play behind closed doors if at all possible.

"Football is about fans. But the reality for the vast majority of the players, particularly at the highest level, is their income is funded by television money and there are contracts that have to be adhered to.

"In order for us [the PFA] to be able to protect those players in terms of securing their salaries, if that's the only offer we have on the table to complete the season, then that is what it will be."

Murray however wants to mark the return of football as moment to celebrate and says football without the fans is not the same.

“I think first and foremost, as players, we want to finish the league. I watched a couple of games on TV without fans in Italy before the shutdown and it’s not the same.

“When we do start playing again let’s make it a celebratory occasion, the fact that we are all back together. Football without fans is not the same.”

Despite this Barnes believes players will have to be prepared for empty stadia in order to complete the campaign as soon as it is safe to do so.

"If we're going to get the season finished in a timely fashion so we can even consider starting next season, we've got to be open to all options," added Barnes.