Sport has to keep going so the rest of us can keep sane

For me, sport has to continue. If EastEnders and Coronation Street can still be filmed, so can Match of the Day! Do I think footballers should stop hugging and celebrating a goal? No. It’s bad enough with no fans, socially distanced goal celebrations will ruin the escapism.

Sometimes we forget footballers are human too.

Yes, they are young and rich and have been treated like superstars all their adult lives, but they are still human.

Whether it’s Icelandic beauty queens or new year’s eve parties, naivety is to blame.

Footballers have always lived in a bubble but education along with club and self-discipline are more important than ever.

Our lives are on hold, we know what we need to do to beat this virus and we know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

But sport is entertainment, escapism, joy, intrigue. These are all good things for the soul and we need it in these times.

The first tennis grand slam is on hold in Australia thanks to a Covid outbreak and 10 out of 10 to the authorities for taking a tough stance.

Much credit must also go to all the players who have to self-isolate for 14 days, but just crack on and make the most of it.

Sure, some want to be in luxury houses with swimming pools and tennis courts, but on the whole, the camaraderie has been great.

As England win the first test in the cricket against Sri Lanka I forget momentarily about infection rates and deaths.

It’s the TV, the radio and sport which keep us going and offer a distraction from work, kids and life.

Let them hug, let them celebrate. Do I get envious when they drive all those expensive super cars on Top Gear? No, I like to see them doing it because I can’t.

Please keep sport as normal as possible during this lockdown to keep me sane.

Honestly sometimes I think I’m going mad. I thought Ian Beale and Sharon Mitchell in EastEnders were married. Turns out they are. What strange times we live in!