PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs will today host a crunch meeting to attempt to convince fearful players it is safe to return.
Clubs are aware of growing worry from some stars that they feel forced back into action.
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A Levante staff member sprays disinfectant liquid on a ball during a training session in SpainCredit: Getty Images
The PFA union will express these doubts in the teleconference but SunSport understands the majority of players are now desperate to get back on the pitch.
And Prem bosses are confident that their safety protocols will convince the rest.
England stars Raheem Sterling, Tyrone Mings and Danny Rose — plus Manchester City’s Argentine striker Sergio Aguero — have publicly voiced fears over football returning while the coronavirus daily death toll is still well into three figures.
At least one representative from each club — either the captain or PFA delegate, or in a number of cases both — will dial in to today’s call ahead of a proposed June 12 restart.
Premier League chiefs are now set to try and convince footballers it is safe to return after the coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Union chiefs will also be involved and a PFA source said: “We all want to play again if it is safe but have a duty to express our concerns and the players will express theirs.”
Player concerns are also shared by some team medics and executives, even at clubs that are strong backers of Project Restart and despite the Government green light for behind-closed-doors sport from the start of June.
The senior stars at each club yesterday relayed a 40-page Premier League document sent via the PFA to team-mates.
It informed them about protocols at training grounds, which include wearing masks and social distancing.
Tackling will be banned, pitches, goalposts, corner flags and cones disinfected and players restricted to groups of five when the Prem starts a first phase of team training.
Players are banned from sharing transport to and from training, urged not to spit and to arrive already in their kit.
They were also told a central register of Covid-19 test results — subject to PFA consent — will need to be maintained and 44,000 are envisaged over an 11-week period.
The strongest worries have been voiced by BAME players, those who are asthmatic, have pregnant partners or live with vulnerable relatives.
If those are not convinced, it would undermine the proposed return to training on Monday.
The Prem hopes to agree formal medical and training protocols at today’s meeting.
Chief executive Richard Masters said: “We think we are going to be able to create that safe environment but we need to talk to the players about it.
“It is right the players voice their concerns. We need to hear those first.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
