Split threatens EPL bid

Worried players refusing to take the field for June restart

THE English Premier League’s bid to restart the season in June is in danger of being derailed by a heated debate between players about the risks of playing amid the coronavirus crisis.

While Premier League chiefs believe completing the campaign is essential to safeguarding the financial and sporting future of the game, some stars are not convinced.

Watford captain Troy Deeney has been one of the loudest voices against returning to the pitch so soon.

Though the Premier League has agreed to fund regular testing for players and staff, there is no guarantee of keeping the virus at bay while vaccine trials remain in the early stages.

Adding to Deeney’s concern, black and ethnic minorities are statistically more at risk of dying from the virus, leaving him adamant he will not gamble with his family’s life just to satisfy the desire for soccer to resume.

“I’m not even talking about football at the moment. I’m talking about my family’s health,” Deeney said on Instagram. “I’m not going to put my family at risk.

“They’re talking about not playing in front of fans until 2021. So if it’s not safe enough for fans to be inside a stadium, why should it be safe for players to be in there?”

Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling have also raised concerns about restarting, while Newcastle’s Danny Rose, on loan from Tottenham, launched a furious rant.

“Government is saying ‘bring football back’ because it is going to boost the nation’s morale. I don’t care about the nation’s morale, bro, people’s lives are at risk,” he said.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane is ready to restart as long as player safety is the highest priority.

“I think the majority of players are looking forward to playing again as soon as possible, but we know we want it to be as safe as possible too,”

Kane told British television show Good Morning Britain.

“Me personally, I am happy to start training in small groups if that is allowed and just trying to get back to some normality as soon as possible. I guess everyone is different and has their own personal view.”

Even those willing to play, such as Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, have given their support with caveats.