Julian Knight is the latest MP to attack footballers, this time saying they're 'flouting' of Covid rules is an insult to the NHS, as players continue to celebrate goals by hugging.
Footballers were put under scrutiny during the Covid pandemic way back in the first lockdown, with health secretary Matt Hancock calling on Premier League players to 'make a contribution' and 'play their part.'
Considering how Marcus Rashford reacted to that you'd have thought that Hancock probably looks back at that as not one of his smartest ideas.
Now Knight, the chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, has criticised footballers for hugging during celebrations.
"These people are looked up to, they're role models, and not to respect any form of social distancing in that way - at a time of national emergency - is brainless at best and negligent at worst," he told the Telegraph following goal celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
"These people are absolutely putting themselves on the line every day for us, and they are appealing to people to obey the rules. And footballers should listen to them and see that they are in a position of influence where they can help the NHS get us through this very difficult time."
DCMS committee member, Clive Efford MP, followed the committee chair by adding, "To see millionaire footballers just flouting the rules in the way they are is just absolutely disgusting and is beyond contempt."
The condemnation follows on from Pep Guardiola defending his players. Phil Foden's incredible goal on Wednesday against Brighton was followed by eight members of the team celebrating in a huddle.
After game the Manchester City boss said, "In a real moment of joy, I don't know if we will be able to do it. When you score and one guy runs and the others don't celebrate with him, it is weird and uncomfortable."
Of course the issue has seen lots of different opinions on both sides of the argument on social media, with some believing players can temper their celebrations.
There will be a lead item on the Today programme on Monday as to why Bruno or Mane hugged a team mate in biggest game of season. It’s legitimate to want football called off in national interest, but of all things players are risking to entertain us, a fleeting hug is not up there
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) January 14, 2021
Just to be clear. I'm not strongly against players hugging or celebrating. It wouldn't be something that worried me. But I'm strongly for football continuing so I'd rather the players and managers didn't give the politicians an excuse to shut it down. https://t.co/QuQojWZFMl
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 14, 2021
Impossible to stop players mobbing each other during goal celebrations. 🤔 (from the first game back after the first lockdown) https://t.co/sJKK3izChH
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) January 13, 2021
Here's a goal 'celebration' suggestion for footballers. Instead of mobbing each other, they all unveil T-shirts saying: Stay at Home; Protect the NHS; Save Lives.
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) January 14, 2021
😡 “If I can restrain myself from hugging my mum on her birthday then players can stop hugging after scoring.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 14, 2021
🤦♂️ “We’re in a pandemic & people are dying, it’s not that difficult for a footballer to celebrate alone.”@BroadcastMoose slams footballers who hug during celebrations pic.twitter.com/tSCASQtT2s
Football authorities have been infuriatingly weak on players flouting Covid-19 protocol. Not helped by Pep Guardiola - and others - justifying extremely privileged people breaking guidelines. Players should be banned, fined. But hugging - when everyone is tested - is a non-issue.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) January 14, 2021
You can't compare hugging your mum and hugging a teammate - unless your Mum has put one on a plate for you in the last minute away at Actonians - it is a different emotion.
— Max Rushden 💙 (@maxrushden) January 14, 2021
Should they? probably not. Understandable? Yes. Is this the major issue in spreading the virus? No. https://t.co/0MQX53pjXm
Adam thank you! Don’t let us become distracted by an action that isn’t spreading the virus , pressurising the NHS and that has been happening without comment for 7 months now. Concentrate on £22bn app , Tier systems that aren’t working and an underfunded NHS . Not goal celebs ! https://t.co/R1PTKZR1xm
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 14, 2021
Plenty of footballers have deserved to come in for criticism for their actual flouting of Covid-19 rules, with Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Mason Greenwood and Foden amongst those who have mixed with people at different times during lockdowns or outside of their bubbles.
Sure the aesthetic of celebrating goals together doesn't look great right now but it's unlikely to be the cause of serious spreading of Covid, or even lead to the cancellation of matches we're currently seeing as players are regularly tested.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/foul-play-mp-says-footballers-flouting-covid-rules-is-an-insult-to-the-nhs-20210114
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