Gordon Taylor, who chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, has warned footballers not to hug one another during goal celebrations and after matches in an attempt to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus in clubs.
The note of warning comes after intense celebrations at high profile games, including a huge group hug among Manchester City ‘s players after they knocked rivals Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup.
“We’ve sent a message to all our members saying, ‘you have done a great job, you’ve kept the game going and you deserve a lot of credit, but it’s important you keep to the protocols,” Taylor told The Times.
“Always abide by what you’re being told by doctors and medical staff with regard to the protocols about keeping your distance and the hygiene that’s required.
“I understand with the celebration of a goal it’s difficult to just put the ball in the back of the net and act as though nothing has happened.
“It’s that adrenaline rush… that’s what the game is all about, but that’s part and parcel of the process, so they’ll be reminded.”
There have been sporadic cases of the virus in the English Premier League in recent weeks and Manchester City have been one of the worst-affected clubs in terms of the number of positive coronavirus tests, with a total of eight players.
Four Premier League games and over 50 matches in the English Football League have been postponed this season.
