Covid-19 rules: Stop ‘brainless’ hugs, MP warns footballers

 

Footballers who cannot resist the temptation to hug in celebration have been told to wake up and smell the coffee as the pandemic not smiling at all.

A member of the British Parliament Julian Knight insisted that it amounts to working hard in the direction trying to checkmate the spread when footballers continue to hug in celebration of goals.

This is not the first time Premier League stars have come under fire, with health secretary Matt Hancock calling on players to ‘make a contribution’ and take a pay cut to help with the coronavirus crisis.

Now Knight, the chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, has launched an attack on footballers following goal celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

“These people are looked up to, they’re role models, and not to respect any form of social distancing in that way – at a time of national emergency – is brainless at best and negligent at worst,” he told the Telegraph.

“These people are absolutely putting themselves on the line every day for us, and they are appealing to people to obey the rules.

“And footballers should listen to them and see that they are in a position of influence where they can help the NHS get us through this very difficult time.”

DCMS committee member, Clive Efford MP, also added his thoughts on the perceived flouting of the rules, labeling it “disgusting”

Efford added: “To see millionaire footballers just flouting the rules in the way they are is just absolutely disgusting and is beyond contempt.”

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola defended any criticism of his players for celebrating after his side’s win over Brighton on Wednesday night.

“In a real moment of joy, I don’t know if we will be able to do it,” explained the Spaniard.

“When you score and one guy runs and the others don’t celebrate with him, it is weird and uncomfortable.”