Premier League: Top stars of the Premier League are not happy with club executives after 15 out of the 20 top-flight clubs decided to carry on playing amid growing cries for a circuit breaker in order to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow Premier League live updates on InsideSport.IN
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A significant number of players and backroom staff across England’s top league had made their feelings known. They were of the opinion that a break in play should have been enforced to ease the health risks attached to competing while the illness is so prevalent.
After players had discussions with their club officials, the hope was a break in play would be accepted. However, the majority of the 20 clubs decided a ‘circuit-breaker’ was not needed.
Premier League: Players & clubs in collision course over decision to play on despite COVID-19 crisis, check details
The video conference call between the 20 clubs saw as many as 15 clubs speaking in favour of continuing to play while Liverpool and Arsenal among a minority of teams who pushed for a hiatus due to concerns over the welfare of football personnel.
Players, coaches and support staff feel their well-being is secondary while the threat of incurring major financial losses during the lucrative festive period was a major reason for deciding to carry on.
Money was undoubtedly an issue in the decision to continue playing, but other factors – including the potential for fixture pile-up during the all-important final weeks of the season – was also a consideration for clubs.
Premier League: Players & clubs in collision course over decision to play on despite COVID-19 crisis, check details
On Tuesday, Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders branded the decision to press ahead with the festive fixture calendar ‘absurd’, while Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted player welfare should be a key consideration during the recent surge in Covid cases.
Just last week, Brentford boss Thomas Frank led calls for a break in play, calling for all of last weekend’s fixtures to be called off and said he’d spoken to other managers who were in agreement.
Similarly, Thomas Tuchel said it was ‘very hard to understand’ why Chelsea’s game versus Wolves on Sunday was allowed to go ahead after the Blues had a request to postpone the clash rejected by the Premier League following a Covid outbreak within the squad.
Premier League: Players & clubs in collision course over decision to play on despite COVID-19 crisis, check details
The Premier League are due to hold two further Zoom meetings this week, one for managers and the other for captains and senior players. And it is understood those who have been in favour of a short-term shutdown will use the meeting to express their concerns at the decision to continue playing.
With clubs and players on a collision course regarding the decision, it remains to be seen how this episode pans out. Ninety Premier League players and staff tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week, the highest since numbers were released.
Premier League: Players & clubs in collision course over decision to play on despite COVID-19 crisis, check details
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