Coronavirus: UK government considering banning sporting fixtures

The UK government is considering banning sporting fixtures amid the coronavirus outbreak - but it will not happen immediately.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will move to the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle the virus.

There have been 596 confirmed cases across the UK.

"We are considering banning major public events like sporting fixtures," said Johnson.

"The scientific advice is this has little effect on the spread - but it does place a burden on other public services."

Government announces new coronavirus measures

European football's governing body Uefa has called an emergency meeting for Tuesday in which the possibility of postponing Euro 2020 by one year is an option being discussed.

Seven of the tournament's matches are set to take place at Wembley Stadium in London, while others are due to be held in Glasgow, Dublin and Cardiff.

Top flight football in Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and the United States has been suspended amid the outbreak, while Manchester City's Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Real Madrid, due to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed.