A new set of rules and guidelines have been sent to football managers and players outlining ‘social distancing’ must be strictly observed at all times as the Premier League looks to resume its first phase of team training.
Disinfecting Pitches
On top of strict social distancing measures, pitches, balls, cones and flags will be thoroughly disinfected after each training session according to a report obtained by the BBC.It’s hoped training will resume as soon as Monday but restrictions on training time would be limited to 75 minutes. Players have also been told that regular testing will take place twice a week with temperature checks carried out before each training session.Controlled measures recommend meticulous personal hygiene and use of PPE, not to congregate in communal areas, including gyms and medical rooms. Players must make their way to training in their own vehicles with no sharing of transport. Also, vehicles must be cleaned regularly and team vehicle usage is also prohibited.
Players Concerns
However, some players who have underlying health conditions or are of black and minority ethnic backgrounds (BAME) have concerns regarding safety when playing resumes. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) have reported black men and women are twice as likely to have severe health complications or death due to Coronavirus than white people in the UK.Players, Premier League officials and medical staff will meet today but government approval will need to be granted before they continue this first phase training program.Troy Townsend, father of Crystal Palace and England winger Andros Townsend spoke to BBC Sport about concerns of players if the season resumes. “ I love watching my son play football, I love watching his team play and I love every aspect of what football brings, but these are uncertain times and ultimately I don’t want to be watching him with worry right across my face.“ I don’t think I could watch the game comfortably any more if we do go back anytime soon because you are worried about what he is walking away from and what he maybe opening his family up to.”Townsend went on to say he would accept the cancellation of this seasons Premier League in favour of the safety of his son and other players and staff members.After meetings will the government and all officials involved in sports and football, the Premier league are aiming to resume the season, 12th June 2020.