Inter president Steven Zhang has backed the Italian government's order that means sporting events in Italy will be played behind closed doors for the next month in a bid to combat the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak in Italy.
“Closing doors but continuing matches is the right thing to do,” he admitted in an interview with British broadcaster BBC Sport.
Zhang then went on to discuss why he and Inter were so against the Lega Serie A proposal to move the Juventus game that was scheduled for this past Sunday to the Monday night instead.
Zhang, who is the youngest president in Inter club history, insists that it was only right to reject the proposal and not put public health in danger.
“From a moral standpoint, as president of a football club and a manager in an organisation who are involved in these events, I just cannot accept this kind of proposal and I cannot let public health be put in this difficult condition,” he said.
“It doesn't matter what kind of game it is, it doesn't matter if it was 24 hours or 48 hours, we knew the situation was not going to be gone.
“The right thing to do was to reject the proposal. I had to do what was morally correct, even though it was difficult to say no. But we made the right choice and now people realise it was correct.”
He then went on to stress that the club have a certain responsibility to do right.
“It is important for people not to panic and it feels like many people are doing the right things, like washing hands, which definitely helps.
“As a football club, we have a responsibility to deliver the right message. Safety is the highest priority. Closing the doors to a match is difficult for many reasons but in the end, in order to continue with the calendar and continue with normal activities, we have to take these decisions.”
In conclusion he was asked if he thinks all the confusion as of late could have an affect on the Nerazzurri's performances between now and the end of the campaign.
“During a season there are always difficulties, great moments, ups and downs. That is what keeps sports people interested. That is why sport is fascinating.
“It is true we have improved a lot compared with the past. Our coach and players have put so much effort in. Everybody recognises and appreciates that. Our fans and even our competitors have seen a stronger team and a stronger organisation, which is growing.
“But I am not worried closing doors will affect the performance of the team. What I am worried about is putting public safety at risk by doing these kinds of events in front of spectators.”