...but Gerrard won’t add to calls to cancel Europa League

STEVEN GERRARD insists health and protection from coronavirus must be the top priority for all stakeholders as he waits to discover Rangers’ Europa League fate.

The Ibrox manager saw his side go down 3-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen last night as the Bundesliga giants took a significant step towards the quarter-finals.

But there is still huge uncertainty over when the second leg of the tie will be played as officials and governments across the continent take action to combat the spread of coronavirus.

UEFA will hold talks with representatives from their member nations on Tuesday as the future of the Champions League, Europa League, Euro 2020 and domestic competitions is debated.

Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz called for the Europa

League to be postponed earlier this week and he reiterated his stance that matches should not be played behind closed doors after seeing his side produce a classy performance at Ibrox.

Gerrard said: “I can understand his opinion on that because I don’t think anyone wants to see remainder of both competitions behind closed doors – or see teams pull out.

“But I’m not going to sit here after a 3-1 defeat and say the tournament should be cancelled. That’s not the right thing to say.

“I’m not sure if it’s affected the players. If they’re like me, you go day by day, listen to the news, follow instructions medical people.

“This is not the ideal situation for anyone. We’ve all got our concerns, family concerns, waiting to find out if games are going ahead, if leagues are going to continue,

“Everyone is just waiting to see how much this is going to grow and how long it’s going to continue for.

“I think all I want to say is the important thing is the people, us, protection from these situations.

“This virus growing, it continuing to spread, the first thing has to be people’s health.

“But I’m hoping that football continues. I’m hoping that. But first things first. Health first.” of