Loss of revenue from Blackpool's cancelled game against Sunderland over coronavirus pandemic will be 'significant'

That’s according to Christine Seddon, chair of the club’s leading fans’ group Blackpool Supporters’ Trust.

In the region of 4,300 Sunderland fans were expected to make the trip to Bloomfield Road today for Pool’s League One fixture.

But the game is one of three to have been suspended as part of the shutting down of English football until April 3 at the earliest over the coronavirus pandemic.

Blackpool’s away games at Shrewsbury Town and Peterborough United have also been postponed, while their next scheduled match is due to be against Burton Albion on Saturday, April 4.

But it is the cancellation of today’s game against Sunderland that will prove so costly, as The Gazette understands the club is likely to lose in the region of £150,000.

“The suspension of football matches until at least 3rd April is a massive blow for the football community as a whole,” Christine Seddon admitted.

“For Blackpool, it is particularly difficult as our match against Sunderland was probably the biggest of the season and in terms of revenue, the loss to the club will be significant.

“At a time when our new owner is trying so hard to build the club up, the current situation is undoubtedly a setback and it is to be hoped that supporters will do whatever they can to continue to support the club through these difficult times.

“While the situation continues to change on a daily basis, it is impossible to guess how likely a resumption of fixtures on April 3 will be but the nation's health is of course the most important factor in all this.

“It is hugely disappointing for football fans and there is a huge question mark over how the remaining fixtures will be resolved and what the implications for the coming months will be.

“We can only hope that this horrible virus runs its course quickly and we can all get back to normal as soon as possible.”