Pep: We just can’t carry on playing
PEP GUARDIOLA has questioned whether it is right for football to continue while the rest of the country goes into lockdown.
“If we have to play, we will play,” said Guardiola. “But I think the world of football cannot be an exception in what is happening in society.
“We don’t want to be different from the rest of society when they have to close restaurants or close whatever.”
The Manchester City boss, who lost his mother to coronavirus earlier this year, added: “I want to be safe. I want to keep well for myself, for my family, my friends, for all England, all of the UK.
“What we have to do is follow the instructions. If we have to stop, we are going to stop.”
The second national lockdown means Premier League bosses will come under renewed pressure to scrap their pay- perview scheme. The 20 clubs will meet again this week with fans’ groups already unhappy at the £ 14.95 fee charged to watch some top- flight games.
Government chiefs may also intervene if the lockdown continues beyond December 2 after urging the Premier League to show all games during the first lockdown, even making some free- to- air.
Premier League clubs agreed to review the pay- per- view policy after the international break but two weekends of games – November 21/ 22 and 28/ 29 – will take place during the lockdown.
It has become a toxic issue but the Government may feel if they allow Premier League football to continue then they want it made available without an extra charge as at least one way of keeping the nation entertained.
Premier League bosses are clearly relieved they will be able to carry on.