The former Leeds owner thinks playing the rest of the season would be disrespectful to the dead and a logistical minefield

Resuming the Serie A season would be “pure madness” according to Brescia owner Massimo Cellino, who has threatened to pull his side out of proceedings if Italian football does get back underway.

Italy has been hit incredibly hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 13,000 deaths reported in the country.

Discussions are ongoing as to whether the 2019-20 football season will return, but former Leeds owner Cellino doesn’t believe it should.

This season no longer makes sense,” Cellino told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We stopped, no team will return as before, the stadiums will be behind closed doors, plus there is a risk for the health of the players.

“For me, returning to playing the games is pure madness.

“If it happens, they are forcing me to be prepared to not send the team out and to lose every game 3-0 out of respect for the citizens of Brescia and their loved ones who are no longer there.”

Cellino took fire at UEFA, who on Wednesday confirmed a number of cancellations and postponements including all international friendlies which had been scheduled for June.