The National League has announced it will be suspended until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The majority of matches in the fifth and sixth tiers went ahead as scheduled over the weekend after the National League announced on Friday that it would not be following the Premier League and EFL in suspending its fixtures.

Hartlepool United’s 1-1 draw at Sutton United was one of only six National League matches to go ahead over the weekend with the other six being postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

A further five games were postponed in the National League North for the same reason.

Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United is watched by Louis John of Sutton United during the Vanarama National League match between Sutton United and Hartlepool United at the Knights Community Stadium, Gander Green Lane,, Sutton on Saturday 14th March 2020. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News) | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Josh Hawkes of Hartlepool United is watched by Louis John of Sutton United during the Vanarama National League match between Sutton United and Hartlepool United at the Knights Community Stadium, Gander Green Lane,, Sutton on Saturday 14th March 2020. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News) | Other 3rd Party

Even those who played matches were quick to slam the decision to let them go ahead.

Scheduled Tuesday night fixtures have already been postponed with a National League board meeting taking place on Monday before announcing the suspension of the competition.

A National League statement read: “In the knowledge of the government measures now announced including not to support sporting events with emergency services workers it is clearly not practical for its fixtures to be fulfilled in the immediate future.

“In those circumstances and in line with The Football Association and the Professional Game, at a Board Meeting today, The National League has decided that its competition is now suspended until at least 3rd April 2020.

“The National League will continue to monitor the situation, but trusts that its loyal clubs, fans, players, officials, staff, volunteers and sponsors will accept that it has had no other choice but to reach this decision.”