SELF-CONSCIOUS Billy Sharp will leave the swearing to managers but reckons players could struggle not spitting.
The eyes of the world are going to be watching as Sharp’s Sheffield United travel to Aston Villa in tonight’s curtain-raiser for the Premier League restart.
Billy Sharp will leave the swearing to managers but reckons players could struggle not spitting
Players have been told not to spit for health reasons
With fans tuning in from their sofas rather than filling the terraces, every word, cough and splutter in the empty stadium will be heard and seen by viewers.
But despite being told not to spit for health reasons, the Blades skipper believes it is easier said than done.
Asked if he will feel uncomfortable, Sharp, 34, said: “Yes, but it’s hard on the pitch with your emotions and the energy you’re using — you do naturally spit on the floor.
“Obviously we are going to have to be careful with that because everybody is going to be watching and those are the rules.”
On the issue of swearing, the Sheffield-born 34-year-old added: “It’s something we have had to speak about.
“But football is a man’s game and sometimes there are a few swear words on the pitch.
“We just want to do the talking with our feet and leave the swearing to the managers on the sidelines.”
With the nation ready to gorge on football again after a three-month hiatus, Sharp has promised he does not see empty stadiums as any reason to tone down his celebration if he finds the net.
He added: “All my mates have got their beers in the fridge ready.
“There will be a lot of people watching from home but we can’t hear them, so get that in our heads as quick as we can and adapt.
“Any extra nerves will be put to the back of our minds.
“Because if you play a bad ball then there will be no moans and groans.
“If I score a goal I will certainly be celebrating as though there are fans in the stadium.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
