#FOOTBALLUNITED
Wan-Bissaka and Bellerin among Prem stars to launch campaign to fight virus
PREMIER League stars yesterday launched the #FootballUnited campaign as England’s elite players joined in the fight against coronavirus.
As MailOnline revealed yesterday, Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin (right) are among the players to pledge support to the cross-club alliance with the aim of raising £100,000 as a starting point and a much higher figure in due course to help in the war against Covid-19.
Players, through the National Emergencies Trust, are urging people to donate whatever cash possible to help fund the battle against the growing pandemic that has already killed more than 400 people in the UK, with a particular focus on supporting the elderly and vulnerable.
Top-flight stars already on board will urge their fellow professionals across the nation to follow suit and show their support for #FootballUnited.
Among the footballers to have already backed the initiative, which is being driven by player agency Unique Sports Management, are Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, West Ham attacker Michail Antonio, Chelsea’s rising star Reece James and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.
James tweeted yesterday: ‘In difficult times let’s unite and support local charities and communities who need our help the most right now. I am donating to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the #FootballUnited campaign.’
Unique Sports Management have made an initial £10,000 donation to get the ball rolling.
A joint statement on behalf of the players read: ‘Football has such a big role to play in communities and our clubs are a huge part of people’s lives.
‘Without football, we want to put our rivalries aside and show togetherness at such a critical moment for the country.
‘These are uncertain times for communities, but as players we want to show some recognition for the incredible work that is being done for the most vulnerable.
‘There are so many people at home who are afraid, alone and without full-time care.
‘With the nation’s help, we can show our support to the many volunteers and organisations who need funds to make sure vital food and medicine supplies will continue to be delivered during the crisis.
‘As players, we would love nothing more than to be out there playing in front of packed stadiums again, but that can wait — the most important thing right now is the future of the country and #FootballUnited is our way of showing some community spirit.’
Marlon Fleischman, managing director at Unique Sports Management, said: ‘At such an unprecedented time, we are proud to support our players striving to make positive change through #FootballUnited.’