Health secretary Matt Hancock waded into the Premier League wages row by saying “Given the sacrifices many people are making, the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution,” during his daily government briefing yesterday.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) responded by saying “players will have to share the financial burden”.
In a statement, the PFA added: “We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that – as businesses – if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should.
“The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly.
“Any use of the government’s support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.
“In instances where clubs have the resources to pay all staff, the benefit of players paying non-playing staff salaries will only serve the business of the club’s shareholders.”
Former footballer Gary Neville has reacted to Hancock’s comments by saying “I wish I was a player for 10 more mins, The Premier League players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS ‘It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f@@@@@g cheek!’”
What is Neville on about? Where does he get 2 weeks from? This crises started months ago. Football has been off for 4 weeks. That’s plenty of time for the uber rich players and PFA staff to sort something out. Also, if the equipment needed cannot be sourced what is Hancock supposed to do? Maybe go down the shed and knock up a few himself. Sometimes Nev is his own worst enemy. How can he equate the greed of the PFA leadership, the inactivity of the players in relation to the financial position of their clubs’ non playing staff and the worldwide shortage of medical equipment. Neville did a great thing when he made his hotels available to NHS staff. He acted quickly in the face of an emergency because it was in his power to do so. The same cannot be said for the PFA and most top division players.There are no excuses for them.
So eventually it will take Government intervention to curb the super inflated wages that professional football players are paid ( not earned , I might add ) . This virus is bringing everything to a head . To think it takes a Global sickness inflicted by a virus to address this subject is indicative of our Social acceptance of placing Too much importance on how footballers . They dedicate themselves to their sport , yes , but the wage is far too high .
And everyone knows it …