Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Carl Frampton urges fans to respect social distancing

Carl Frampton has urged fans to respect social distancing during the coronavirus crisis.

Like most people, the former two-weight world champion is in isolation with his wife Christine and kids Carla and Rossa.

But it is when the 33-year-old is out buying some essential shopping that some fans cross the line.

Members of the public have been instructed to remain at least two metres away from other people at all times.

However, Frampton says some fans "don't get it right".

He told the BBC: "This is something that angers me.

"On the odd occasion, I've been going to the shop to pick up groceries and this is when people don't get it right.

"People are approaching me in lines where there are people standing two metres away and grabbing me for photographs or autographs.

"I feel like I'm a nice guy and I try and make a joke about social distancing but it's getting to the point where I'm going to have to tell people to go away. This is a very serious matter.

"People are taking it seriously but others aren't."

Frampton believes interaction through telephone calls and video calls will help people get through the coronavirus pandemic.

He also says being allowed to go out for a run or cycle once a day will also help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"When I train, I train in Bolton and live in a little flat which isn't the greatest flat in the world. The area in which we stay isn't great and sometimes I'm on my own," he added.

"I get out and walk, which you're allowed to do once a day now, I spend a lot of time on the phone and Facetime speaking to friends and family.

"I read a fair bit and I watch a lot of TV too. That seems to be enough to get me by when I'm in isolation in a training camp environment.

"I'm not going to skirt around it - it's going to be very difficult for people."

Frampton has also urged people to adhere to the government's new 'lockdown' rules which were announced last night.

People will only be allowed to leave their home for the very basic necessities including shopping, getting medicines, getting exercise once a day and travelling to and from work.

"I know a doctor who is very much on the front line, head of ICU at the Mater hospital. He's anxious, he's worried about the situation and very apprehensive about what is coming," he added.

"It angers me seeing large groups of people gathering places. I can't imagine how it makes him and other people working for the NHS feel.

"It's a worrying time. I feel anxious and nervous about the whole situation but it's got to be very hard for the NHS staff."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.