PFA call for more BAME risk research

THE T Professional Footballers’ Association A have asked the Government to undertake more research into possible greater coronavirus risks for black, Asian and minority ethnic players, amid strong concerns among some about a return to football. The union’s deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes raised the issue in talks yesterday with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Premier League and said that the worries felt by players needed to be more

fully addressed. Data from the UK Office for National Statistics suggesting that BAME patients are four times more likely to die from Covid-19 led Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham to say last week that he was concerned about his asthmatic father and wanted more information. Watford captain Troy Deeney has said he will not be joining club training because of health concerns. His manager Nigel Pearson said yesterday: ‘There are still a few unanswered questions and that’s something that is a concern for some players and I respect their views. ‘As far as the players are concerned the BAME question is still something they don’t have enough assurances about.’ The PFA had already raised the issue independently with the Premier League but the union believe players’ concerns have still not been addressed, as clubs move towards the second phase of football’s restart, which involves contact with other players during training. Premier League medical adviser Mark Gillett has said that the league would be monitoring the risk to BAME players, dependent on more data emerging. He said: ‘We will do everything we can to mitigate against any risks as more information becomes available. ‘But the risk in young, fit athletes is still very small and I think that is an important factor.’ Deeney said he had raised questions at a recent meeting involving the league and captains and had not been satisfied it was safe to train. He stayed away from Watford again yesterday when the second round of coronavirus tests were carried out. Meanwhile, despite initial suggestions that clubs would have to provide the PFA with detailed financial statements, justifying why they are seeking to introduce wage deferrals,

Sportsmail understands that fewer than 20 sides have actually had to do so. The threat of having to submit accounts may have persuaded some clubs to negotiate deferrals in-house.