Selfish anti-vaxxer stars need to help in defence
A YEAR and a half into this disastrous, deadly pandemic, and it sometimes feels like we’re in the midst of a civil war.
On one side are those rolling up their sleeves to have the Covid vaccine, on the other, an army of conspiracy theorists refusing to take the shot.
So it was interesting this week to see the beautiful game turn ugly when it was revealed at least five England football squad members are refusing to have the jab.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been vocal about his thoughts on such players, comparing the Covid anti-vaccination lobby to drunk drivers – whose choices endanger the lives of others.
He is not alone.
Sport’s bosses share his views in America, so much so the Atlanta Falcons NFL team recently fired a scout over his refusal to get a vaccine.
It was just one instance of a high-profile confrontation between a team and an employee.
Basketball, American football and baseball all have their dissenters with some athletes who have revealed their refusal to be jabbed becoming heroes to the anti-vax mob.
Which begs the question – do we care too much about what famous people think about the vaccines?
In America, where 35% of the eligible population still has not been fully vaccinated – and with thousands still dying each day from Covid – why is it some place so much weight on their views?
Regular readers will know I believe vaccine resistance is a public health emergency.
And I believe that by not getting vaccinated, players like these unnamed England stars – or a Strictly dancer for that matter – are creating unnecessary risk for those who come into contact with them.
For me, the UK Government was wrong to do away with the idea of vaccine passports at sporting events. Didn’t last year’s Cheltenham Festival teach ministers anything?
Millions of American sports fans – as well as those in Scotland – need to prove they have been fully vaccinated against Covid19 to attend games. In
Wales from next week a NHS Covid pass is required for over-18s. It should be the same in England too. It would allow football clubs to follow the lead of the NBA and not pay players who miss games for not complying with local vaccine mandates.
Already several basketball players have suddenly put their conspiracy theories aside when they realised their money was being cut. Who’d have guessed?
The FA should take a leaf out of the NBA’s playbook. Gareth Southgate would have an entire squad to choose from in no time.