Joey Barton has backed Sunderland's call to complete the season - insisting that to win promotion any other way would be 'meaningless'.
EFL clubs were meeting this morning to discuss the fate of the League One and League Two season, with the Black Cats among six sides to have publicly called for the campaign to be played to a finish when it is safe to do so.
But another group of clubs wants to see the season abandoned with promotion and relegation places decided by some variation of a points-per-game formula.
That would see top two Coventry City and Rotherham United promoted, along with either Oxford United or Wycombe Wanderers depending on exactly which system was used.
But promotion contenders Sunderland, Peterborough United, Oxford, Fleetwood Town, Ipswich Town, and Portsmouth, said in a joint statement issued via twitter by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony that the season should be completed to preserve 'the integrity of our sport'.
Sunderland chief executive Jim Rodwell added: "We face various challenges to complete the season, but we feel we owe it to our supporters and players, and the game, to ensure that our remaining fixtures are fulfilled.
"League tables are decided by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room.
"Together we know that we can overcome those challenges and, when it is safe to do so, end the campaign the right way."
And former Newcastle United midfielder, now Fleetwood manager, Barton has also weighed in, tweeting in response to calls for the season to be completed: "I couldn't agree more.
"As soon as it's safe, we should complete the campaign.
"Surely nobody wants to be given a promotion? You have to go and win it. Or it is meaningless."
If the season does continue, it will be behind-closed-doors, but Barton added: "Fans are a massive part of the journey as well.
"We need to get them into stadiums ASAP but only when it's safe.
"Our players and staff are ready to get back and finish the season we started in August."
