Harry Diamond
Jurgen Klopp has suggested calls to stop goal celebrations due to Covid-19 are misguided following increasing scrutiny on footballers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Elite sport has been permitted to continue despite the worsening situation of the coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom, though footballers have faced criticism this week over perceived ‘unnecessary contact’ during goal celebrations.
The criticism – including being branded ‘brainless’ by one MP – comes despite the regular testing of Premier League players and staff and the bubble measures put into place to allow top-level football to continue behind-closed-doors.
However, the increasing pressure saw the Premier League hold a meeting this week with club captains to remind clubs of their responsibilities in adhering to Covid protocols.
Pep Guardiola has spoken out against the unwanted spotlight currently being directed towards football, with Liverpool manager Klopp now joining his contemporary in questioning the criticism aimed towards players when on the pitch.
“In this moment we all wish we would know more about this virus,” Klopp told a press conference ahead of his sides top of the table clash with Man United on Sunday. ” We get information step by step and we have been playing football for six or seven months in this pandemic.
“In these games, during goal celebrations we have scored a few goals in that time but nothing happened.
“There are other things, including being role models, but we get tested two or three times a week.
“We know that between the tests there are days where you can get infected. It happens and has happened, mainly when people have left the bubble for private reasons.
“But in our situation out there [the pitch], it never spread because we all get tested and are still distanced in the dressing room. It’s the only moment where we try to forget this stuff.
“I think people are smart enough to see the difference between people who are tested regularly and who aren’t.”
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