sport news Premier League sides have 'grief fatigue' and appears United bids have fallen ... trends now

A number of Premier League clubs are becoming more and more frustrated with the number of tributes and cause-promoting they are being asked to carry out. 

Last week, sides were asked to observe a minute’s applause for John Motson in the latest request. 

The concern is that such gestures are becoming commonplace and will lower the significance of such acts when, for example, club legends pass away.

‘It’s grief fatigue and it’s too much — the bar has fallen way too low,’ said one well-placed source. 

‘The belief is that the Premier League and FA are frightened of upsetting anyone and just agree to recognise everything. 

'And it’s not just minute’s silences or applause. 

'Managers are forever being asked to support so many different campaigns and causes that there is a lapel badge almost every week. It’s undermining impact.’

The EFL’s invitation to broadcasters to tender went out last week amid hopes the league can double television rights to more than £200million a year. 

Much hinges on whether there will be competition for Sky, with Sportsmail reporting there have been expressions of interest from streaming firms such as Viaplay and DAZN, along with Sky and BT Sport. 

Transferring that interest into concrete offers will be vital. In a confidential circular to clubs, seen by Sports Agenda, the EFL warned of a worst-case scenario in which Sky was left on its own.

‘Sky is the dominant buyer, and will only pay more if it is forced to,’ the note read. ‘No competition could see a reduction on current terms.’

Do not be surprised to see the end of the 3pm blackout rule, as the EFL — keen on creating a hybrid model — seeks to provide more options for broadcasters. 

One slightly worrying statistic is that viewing figures for Championship matches are actually down six per cent on last season, although subscriptions are the key metric and there is less concern about those numbers given more volume is on the cards. 

The biggest audience so far was 601,000 for the opening night clash between Huddersfield Town and Burnley. Clubs were also told that broadcasting will make up £144.8m of £182.7m total revenue this year.

The love-in between England and New Zealand’s cricketers continued after the hosts’ dramatic one-run victory ensured the two-Test series ended in a draw. 

Players from both sides had a game of ‘keepy-uppies’ on the field after England invited their opponents into the circle. 

Drinks on the field and in New Zealand’s dressing room followed before a mixed group headed to a nearby Wellington bar. 

Several of England’s players have taken the chance to take extended breaks in New Zealand, Australia and Dubai. 

It remains to be seen whether such cordiality will be a feature of this summer’s Ashes series.

Following an embarrassing episode for the BBC, when a prankster planted a mobile phone in the studio that subsequently made loud, pornographic noises before the Wolves v

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