This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As the world waits with bated breath for the return of football, the UK government is optimistic that the Premier League can resume by mid-June. However, this timeline is facing opposition from players and coaches who are concerned about the risks of injury if matches return too soon.
The last top-flight match in England took place on March 9, and since then, there has been a growing sense of uncertainty about when football will return. Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has expressed his concerns, stating that his players could 'fall down like a pack of cards' with injuries if matches return before the end of June.
England international Raheem Sterling has also spoken out about the need for caution, highlighting the risks of a quick turnaround between training and playing matches. The Premier League has reportedly been aiming for a return on June 12, but this plan is facing opposition from those who believe that it is too soon.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that the return of sport on TV would 'provide a much-needed boost to national morale', but the government is also prioritizing public safety. The Premier League has been working closely with Public Health England to develop protocols for the safe return of football.
Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro has warned of the risks being taken with players' health, stating that 'we simply do not know how the virus affects athletes'. She has also highlighted the need for a culture of embracing and observing medical governance to ensure compliance with new protocols.
Despite these concerns, the UK government remains hopeful that the Premier League can resume by mid-June. The Bundesliga's successful return over the weekend has raised expectations that the Premier League can follow suit, despite the drastically different scale of the health crisis in both countries.
