STOP LAUGHING AT THE BACK, JURGEN!
INSPECTORS VISIT MELWOOD TO CHECK TRAINING PROTOCOLS ARE BEING FOLLOWED
THE Premier League’s snoop squad were on the prowl yesterday. As reported by Sportsmail last week, independent auditors have been appointed to carry out spot checks at training grounds and ensure clubs are complying with coronavirus protocols. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were one of the first four visited — Southampton were one of the others — with three medical experts at Melwood for several hours yesterday. The group’s visit to the champions-elect was said to be very thorough. At this stage scheduled visits will be paid to clubs ahead of
unannounced inspections — by individual inspectors — further down the line. Clubs were encouraged to ask questions in a getting-to-know-you exercise. Aside from the obvious — ensuring that only those who have tested negative for the virus are on the premises — the inspectors will be assessing each complex. On the initial visits they are giving advice before returning without notice later on to carry out unannounced spot checks. They will tell clubs to avoid using metal surfaces, on which the virus can survive for long periods. The experts will also ask that, where possible, any indoor facilities be moved outside. Food provisions for players will also be examined. Canteens have been closed but in some cases meals are being provided. Focus will be made on ensuring any risk of infection from brought in food is minimised. Medical departments will come under close scrutiny. How injuries, especially cuts, are dealt with will be an important part of any checks. While clubs have welcomed the appointment of the inspectors, there is a feeling that there remains some ambiguity over potential punishments. While all options are open to the Premier League should a club found to be in breach of the protocols, some feel it is unclear what the likely penalties are. Clarification is expected to be sought over the coming days.