No holding hands for mascots

FOOTBALLERS are being banned from holding hands with mascots in an attempt to tackle coronavirus.

Sportsmail understands that a number of Premier League clubs have told their players not to uphold the tradition which usually takes place as teams walk on to the field. Last week, Liverpool announced that they would not be having mascots on the field at Anfield. At a number of matches last weekend players were told not to shake hands or high-five mascots and a similar protocol will be in place going forward. Officials at top-flight clubs are also looking at the viability of mixed zones at the conclusion of matches. Traditionally, written and broadcast media gather outside dressing rooms to interview players. However, concerns have been raised over such areas in the current climate. Meanwhile, after this newspaper revealed a staggering lack of communication on their behalf, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) yesterday issued guidance to their members on the outbreak. The trade union told players and staff not to drink from the same water bottles as others, not to eat food in the dressing room and to keep personal items in bags and away from exposure in communal areas. The guidance also told players not to touch taps when washing hands, but to use disposable towels to open and close them. They were also told to sneeze on their arms and not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Clubs were told to regularly disinfect communal areas and limit the number of people in changing rooms.