Footballers have been warned to stop hugging during goal celebrations and after matches and to observe social distancing on the pitch, in an attempt to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus in clubs.
The edict 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 in Wednesday’s semi-final at Old Trafford.
But this is only the latest example, with Southampton’s passionate celebration of Danny Ings’ goal, which defeated Liverpool at St Mary’s on Monday, or Wolves jubliant cuddle after going 3-1 up at Brighton on Saturday, equally intimate.
Manchester City players passionately celebrate their victory over rivals Manchester United
Existing Covid protocols stress the need for social distancing, but Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, has reminded players to keep their distance.
‘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.’
Southampton players hugged after Danny Ings scored against the champions, Liverpool
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has reminded players to keep their distance in games
The virus is spreading rapidly in the game. Forty players and staff tested positive for Covid in the latest rounds of Premier League testing this week, double the number of the week before and the highest firgure to date.
Four Premier League games and over 50 matches in the English Football League – which governs the three divisions below the top flight – have been postponed this season.
And third round FA Cup ties are also badly affected. The protocols are likely to be put to the test again this weekend with emotions inevitably running high in the competition.
Struggling Brighton relieved to open the scoring against Wolves celebrated with a hug
Wolves players celebrated after Ruben Neves (centre) put them 3-1 up in the same game
The Premier League and EFL both check clubs’ compliance with the protocols, and the top tier always has a monitor at the grounds.
However, like Taylor, league officials and health experts admit it is difficult to police when players respond to the joy of scoring, which is something they have done since childhood.
But, with the virus spreading so quickly within football, driven by the more infectious nature of the mutrant strain, clubs, leagues and the FA will have to address risk factors like hugging, or risk a shutdown of the game.
Tottenham Hotspur hugged after scoring against Brentford in the Carabao Cup semi final
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker says he fears football may succumb to a shutdown soon
There have already been calls for matches to be suspended.
Gary Lineker, the Match of the Day presenter and former England striker, raised his fear that ‘football might succumb in the next few weeks’.
Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald, 32, took to social media to claim players are being treated like ‘guinea pigs’ by allowing games to continue.
On his Instagram story, McDonald fumed: ‘How many more outbreaks and training ground closures until football needs to stop!!!!
‘Shambolic!! Literally treated like guinea pigs!!!’
Premier League midfielder Kevin McDonald has hit out at the football authorities for continuing the season despite the alarming increase in coronavirus cases throughout the UK
McDonald took to Instagram to blast the authorities for treating footballers like ‘guinea pigs’
Prof John Ashton, the former North West Regional Director of Public Health, told the Telegraph a pause in the season seems certain to happen.
‘It’s inevitable that they’re going to have to stop the games,’ he said.
‘It’s better to do it in a managed way, and make it into a proper break, rather than continue to decline this increasingly chaotic situation.
Aston Villa have closed their training ground after a significant Covid-19 outbreak at the club
In the latest developments, Aston Villa has been forced to shut their training facilities due to a significant Covid-19 outbreak – believed to affect more than 10 players and staff – ahead of their FA Cup tie with Liverpool.
Villa manager Dean Smith’s pre-match press conference, which was due to take place on Thursday, was postponed and the club is in talks with the FA over whether the fixture can go ahead using young players.
Elsewhere, Southampton’s third-round tie against Shrewsbury was called off due to an outbreak at the Sky Bet League One club. and Middlesbrough have seen their preparations for their game at Brentford disrupted by a series of positive tests.
The Professional Game Board will consider an alternative date.
Burnley have said they have players who have tested positive prior to their game against MK Dons at Turf Moor.
Manager Wayne Rooney and Derby’s entire first-team squad will miss the third-round tie at Chorley, with nine players and staff testing positive for Covid. The club will field a team of U23 and U18 players.
Meanwhile, the Premier League has stressed the need for clubs to follow protocols and the EFL has tightened their rules for match days and training.
Championship players have been told they cannot have showers after training unless they live more than an hour away under strict new guidance from the EFL.
The enhanced Covid-19 protocols were issued to clubs in all three EFL divisions this week ahead of the introduction of twice-weekly testing from January 11.
They make clear that players should arrive at training grounds in their kit and leave straight after the end of the session, unless they are facing a long journey home.