KARL Robinson has questioned how long he can continue in football with games being played behind closed doors.

The announcement this week that the coronavirus measures could be in place for another six months was a setback for all in the industry.

But it hit Robinson, who feeds off the emotional energy from a crowd, particularly hard.

The Oxford United boss understood the need for caution amid a pandemic, but is frustrated spectator sport has been shut out while some other activities are still deemed to be safe.

“It’s horrible, I hate it,” he said.

“There’s three women who sit to the right of us (at the Kassam Stadium).

“They used to give us loads of sweets – it’s better we don’t have the sweets now, but I miss them next to us.

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“I miss seeing the same faces.

“I don’t know how much longer I can carry on doing my job without people in the stadium.

“It baffles me, there’s going to be 30,000 people at a Grand Prix (in Russia) this weekend.

“Pubs up and down the country are busy.

“What, because someone brings your drinks to the table and you have to wear a mask to go to the toilet, that’s safer than sitting in a football stadium?

“Come on, have a look at the regulations with what you’re allowed to do and what you’re not allowed to do.

“It doesn’t make sense.”

While it is a nationwide situation, Robinson believes United have been particularly affected by the empty stands.

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With the lockdown in March coming just as his side were flying high, the head coach reckons it has been sorely missed since.

“We overachieved by ten places last year on where we should have been – that’s because of the fans in the stadium,” he said.

“I know everyone’s playing with no fans right now, but we had an unbelievable connection with the people who come and watch us week-in, week-out.

“I’d argue with anyone the connection between the terraces and players was getting better and better.

“That had a massive influence on some of our results.

“We need them, they’re the reason why we do our job.”

And there is a concern for the U’s boss that link is being weakened.

“It’s hurting teams financially and it’s hurting fans emotionally – they’re disconnecting a little bit,” he said.

“Seeing it through a lens doesn’t replicate the passion.

“Our fans are unique, special.

“We need them back, I feel lost and demotivated without them.

“It’s just a different world and one I will never get used to.”