Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says that the idea of players being tested before frontline workers ‘does not sit well’ and urged football to ‘take its place’ as the Premier League works towards a restart.
The Blues boss insists he is as keen as anyone to see football return, citing its “escapism”, but stressed that the welfare of players and staff must come first.
Top-flight clubs reaffirmed their commitment to completing the season at a shareholders meeting on Friday, but have been told that neutral venues will have to be used for all 92 remaining matches.
Premier League clubs are expected to vote on the key principles of ‘Project Restart’ sometime after May 7, when the UK government is due to announce any changes, or lack thereof, to current lockdown measures.
The determination to return is in contrast with some other major European leagues, including those in France and the Netherlands, which have been cancelled.
“I’m very aware of the nation’s desire to get football back on because of what it means, the escapism and the fact we love our football, but I’m also aware of the many obstacles that we have to overcome,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“We cannot risk the health of players and staff who are working in football and we have to respect the amazing work that the NHS and care workers have been doing.
“When we’re looking around the world, I don’t know the testing numbers for NHS and care workers and people that are doing these incredible jobs over the last two months or so.
“I don’t think it would sit well, not just with me but with anybody, if we didn’t make sure that people getting tested are in that frontline. I think that’s important for football to take its place.”
