Playing football matches behind closed doors to limit the coronavirus threat would have dire financial consequences for smaller clubs, says Chester boss Anthony Johnson.

Sporting events all over the world have been affected as authorities attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, with some postponed, cancelled or played without spectators.

The UK government are imminently expected to shift to the 'delay' phase of its coronavirus response, with all matches in the top-flight as well as those in the lower tiers likely to take place with no supporters present.

While richer Premier League sides could easily cope with the financial losses incurred by the disruption, Johnson feels such a move could ruin smaller clubs.

Writing on Twitter in a series of posts, he wrote: “It’s ok saying ‘play games behind closed doors’ but what happens to clubs whose main income stream are the paying supporters at a home game?!?

“Surely a contingency plan includes compensation for those clubs from the FA/government. Paying them what their average attendance is.

“Playing behind closed doors will finish clubs off it’s that simple. That’s not an over exaggeration, there’ll be zero cash flow at clubs who rely on the paying fan.

“They play behind closed doors, zero income from the paying fan. They postpone games, clubs still need to pay wages with no cash flow.Lose/Lose unfortunately.

“And of course the most important thing is saving lives and stopping the virus spreading.

However, when it’s contained and hopefully stopped football clubs (businesses) will disappear UNLESS there’s a contingency plan put in place.”

Chester host National League North rivals Boston United on Saturday, with a gate of around 2,000 expected at the 1885 Arena.

No restrictions on supporters attending the game are currently in place.