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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
James Gould & Aaron Stokes

Premier League confirm one in every five players have NOT had Covid vaccine

The Premier League have confirmed that 81 per cent of players in the top flight have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine jab.

The news comes amid a flurry of footballers speaking out about not receiving the vaccine.

Ireland star Callum Robinson, last week admitted he had contracted Covid-19 twice but would not be seeking vaccination.

Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is also reportedly against the jab.

The Premier League today said: "The Premier League can confirm today that 81 per cent of players have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, with 68 per cent now fully vaccinated.

Callum Robinson (Getty Images)

"Vaccination rates are collected by the Premier League on a weekly basis and the League continues to work with clubs to encourage vaccination among players and club staff.

"No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and player vaccination rates will be communicated at appropriate intervals in the future."

Speaking last week, West Brom striker Robinson said: "It's obviously annoying that I've caught it twice but I haven't been vaccinated.

"Further down the line I could change my mind and want to do it but at this moment in time I haven't been vaccinated.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: A detailed picture of the official match ball with a face mask before the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on July 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images ) (Getty Images)

"I know there are managers and people that will want you to do it, which is right in their way, but everyone has their choice and what they want to do. I wouldn't force people to do it, it's your choice and your body."

As for Arsenal star Xhaka, he picked up Covid-19 last month but refused the vaccine beforehand.

“Granit Xhaka was not vaccinated,” the Swiss FA’s head of communications, Adrian Arnold, was quoted by Blick.

“He’s a player who isn’t vaccinated. We left this up to each player. It’s a personal decision of each player – just like any other person in Switzerland.

“We have issued a recommendation that everyone vaccinates. But he decided for himself personally. And it is also his right not to be vaccinated.”

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