ITV stance on Preston v Liverpool cancellation revealed with decision due
Liverpool players have begun to report for pre-season training ahead of a first friendly against Preston North End.
The Reds were granted further time off following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who passed away in a road traffic accident on Thursday (July 3).
Sunday’s (July 13) pre-season opener against Preston is currently expected to go ahead, and will be aired by national broadcaster ITV.
ITV will respect Liverpool decision
Liverpool have faced an incredibly difficult past few days. Jota and Silva’s deaths sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world, with the aftermath resulting in an outpouring of love and emotion.
But players will, understandably, find it hard to return to the places they had shared with their teammate just weeks before.
The city’s mourning will likely last for the foreseeable, as they try to come to terms with the unthinkable.
The Reds are determined to reunite with their fans as soon as possible, and a decision is expected to arrive imminently regarding Liverpool’s participation in Sunday’s friendly.
According to Liverpool Echo (July 8), both ITV and Preston are awaiting the decision and will be guided by whatever Liverpool decide, with respect shown in any event.
Arne Slot’s side are due to fly out to Hong Kong and Japan later in July, with friendlies against AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos lined up.
Liverpool will then meet Crystal Palace to compete for the Community Shield at Wembley, before the Premier League season gets underway on August 15.
Liverpool cannot be rushed
Liverpool’s grief will be incredibly painful, but the process is also extremely important, and must be respected.
Faced with an unimaginable loss, players, staff and fans of Liverpool must be given time to acknowledge the events of the last week, and work through them together.
If that means a further delay to pre-season, then so be it.
In times like this, football must take a backseat for the prioritisation of the mental health of those affected by a very real, very tragic loss.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.