GARY NEVILLE has continued his criticism of the Premier League’s handling of Project Restart – declaring bosses are “frightened to death”.
A meeting between the league and clubs on Friday was criticised for providing few answers to the concerns held by players and team staff.
Neville recently suggested taking the league abroad to finish the campaignCredit: PA:Press Association
Plans are being put in place to begin training later this month with a June 12 kick-off for matches behind closed doors at neutral venues.
And despite extensive considerations for testing and social distancing, several footballers have stated their fear at catching coronavirus or passing it on when returning to work.
On Sunday, Neville criticised the Premier League and accused them of not directly addressing grave concerns.
The former Manchester United defender tweeted: “The Premier League are having a coronavirus nightmare.
“They keep spouting Health First but then brief constantly, ‘We have to restart’.
“I’d respect them more if they said, ‘We accept the increase in Health Risk but it’s one we are willing to take’.
Premier League clubs have agreed to play at eight neutral venues if the Government agrees football can restart
“They won’t as they are frightened to death!”
He later answered a question of how the league might deal with a death from coronavirus, adding: “That’s why we haven’t heard one single prominent CEO/Chairman/Owner or Executive open his mouth to back the restart!
“Brief/Brief/Brief ! Scared to death of the liability and blame.”
Speculation is growing that foreign players may call upon their own governments to stop them from playing during the pandemic while it has also been suggested stars could opt out of fixtures if they feel unsafe.
Sergio Aguero and Frank Lampard have both criticised football chiefs for not giving players enough say with Brighton chief executive Paul Barber speaking out against the use of neutral venues.
According to Neville, the Seagulls are the “only club willing to stand up” to the Premier League’s plans.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish responded to Neville on social media having given his reasons for supporting Project Restart in the Sunday Times.
Parish wrote: “There are no easy answers.
“But we need to try to play if we can make it safe. I believe we can and should continue however imperfect the other elements: neutral venues empty stadia etc.
“If we can’t make it work then I fear for next season. The game might never fully recover.”
Neville replied: “I want football to return.
“I also understand the complexities. However it’s depressing that the PL and clubs seem to be in hiding, scared to death of communicating.
“No-one wants to be responsible for this one! Just in case the unthinkable happens.”
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The former defender put his plan forward in the week, involving taking the entire top-flight to a European country largely free of coronavirus to see out the season.
He added in a reply to one fan: “It would be good for [the Premier League] to speak at least once.
“Any of them! Clubs included. They are bottling this virus on comms.
“Very happy to tell us when they are delivering food parcels though.”
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs offer free hotel rooms for NHS staff after starting to plan for the coronavirus crisis three weeks ago
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
