PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are being called into question for their handling of the coronavirus outbreak with Gary Neville leading the criticism of their leadership.
The former Manchester United defender branded league chiefs “embarrassing” for their approach to suspending matches.
Neville believes league bosses have been slow to react to the outbreakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arteta was confirmed to have the infection moments after plans to carry on were announcedCredit: AFP or licensors
On Thursday evening, the Premier League and Football League announced matches are set to continue with fans in the stadium, in line with Government advice.
However Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was confirmed to have caught the virus less than an hour later.
An emergency meeting was called for this morning and all Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League matches have now been suspended until the start of April.
In response to the Arteta diagnosis, Neville wrote on Twitter: “It needed a PL manager to contract the virus for them to act!
“Embarrassing leadership from the Premier League.”
He had earlier stated: “Hey Premier League/EFL you are making a right mess of this one!”
Along with Arteta, several top-flight players are in quarantine having caught coronavirus or displayed similar symptoms.
Leicester, Watford and Everton have all reported potential cases while Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi says he has recovered after testing positive for the illness.
⚠️ Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations
Attention has also turned to whether the league will restart as normal next month or be outright cancelled.
Fellow Sky pundit Jamie Carragher has asserted that the 2019/20 season must be finished, possibly making use of the space vacated by the summer’s Euro 2020 if that is delayed to next year.
The ex-Liverpool ace tweeted: “Inevitable the Premier League and EFL will be suspended today. You can’t start next season until this one finishes when ever that is.
“No title winners? Who goes in the Champions League next season?? Leeds, West Brom and one miss out on Prem??? Three clubs in Prem stay up?”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus after he admitted to feeling poorly
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
