Belgians premature

The Belgian league put the cat amongst the waffles yesterday by declaring the Jupiler League over and Bruges champions.  They sorted out their TV and other commercial arrangements and can start next season as soon as it is safe to do so.

There are very few calls to cut seasons short.  Tight leagues, such as in Italy and Spain, would forever  have questions hanging over them, while those assured of winning the title, as in Scotland and England, want to do so on the field, not at a league meeting.  Still, it was nice to see panic among the Null and Voiders, who would rather everyone lost than anyone (Celtic) won.

The Belgians have been pragmatic but premature, football is finished for the season, their champions are assured without controversy and they will accommodate those threatened with relegation.  The rest of Europe still clings to the hope that competition can start behind closed doors in the summer.  It will next month before we know if this is possible, there is no reason to make decisions before then.