FOLLOW RULES IF YOU WANT TO FINISH SEASON

CLUBS TOLD TO CUT CELEBRATIONS AND SET AN EXAMPLE TO THE PUBLIC BUT MANAGERS SAY PLAYERS WILL FIND IT HARD TO CHANGE INSTINCTS

FOOTBALL bosses joined forces last night to deliver a clear message to clubs that if they want to be able to finish the season, they must follow the stricter coronavirus rules.

The issue of players hugging each other in celebration after scoring has been in the spotlight, with such actions specifically mentioned in guidance sent to clubs by the Premier League as part of protocols designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Despite that, a number of games this week have featured players massing together to celebrate a goal, actions described as ‘brainless’ by Julian Knight, the MP who chairs the key parliamentary committee related to sport.

Captains and managers will attend a series of virtual meetings before the weekend to talk through the changes to protocols amid the worsening pandemic as football attempts to avoid another shutdown.

And in a joint statement, the Football Association, Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League said they were confident the season could be played to a finish if ‘enhanced measures’ put in place were followed. They said: ‘Safety is a collective effort and football requires the ongoing support of clubs, managers, players and all those

involved in staging matches to continue to manage the spread of infection and set the right example to the public.

‘The game has a responsibility and during this critical period it is down to everyone to ensure they follow government rules and our protocols. With full compliance to our Covid-19 protocols – alongside effective testing regimes – we

are confident that, with the support of all, the 2020/21 campaign will continue to its conclusion in May.’

However, managers again stressed yesterday how hard they believe it would be for players to be more careful with celebrations. Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said: ‘To control the emotions is a fair ask, but to dictate emotion will

probably be very difficult on the pitch.’ Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, said: ‘If players make mistakes celebrating a goal, it is an honest mistake. It is instinct, and an instinct for as long as they have ever known.’

And Cardiff boss Neil Harris said: ‘If they are that worried, stop the game. Honestly, it’s a joke.’