Premier League stars have been given a new “code of conduct” amid fears of rising Covid cases.
They have also been urged to get themselves double jabbed as many players are still resisting getting a vaccination.
Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam has spoken to the 20 captains and Professional Footballers’ Association representatives on a conference call.
Van Tam has been publicly outspoken in support of vaccinations, calling them “incredibly safe” and the Premier League cannot insist on players getting jabbed but there are concerns about low take ups at some clubs.
Premier League bosses have announced that fans will be subject to spot checks at grounds and must present a Covid vaccination certificate or proof of a lateral flow test but have admitted they cannot force players to get double jabbed.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that he was holding meetings between his players and medical staff to address concerns within his squad.
Players have also been reminded to be “careful and responsible” in their behaviour even though restrictions have been lifted, especially when it comes to putting themselves at risk of infection.
The Premier League announced on Monday there were 11 new Covid cases and that is causing some concern because they were down to zero at some points last season and now they also have full stadium capacities to contend with.
PFA reps and captains then reported back to their team mates with reminders about the importance of sticking to the “red zone” guidelines and twice-weekly testing which is now done with lateral flow tests with positives being followed up with a PCR test.
Premier League chiefs have also visited every training ground, handed out a fact sheet guideline setting out conduct rules and spoken to all of the players about this season’s guidelines which are largely the same as Project Restart.
But with the return of fans, there have come new warnings about filing out separately away from opposing players, not mixing with ball boys and also staying away from fans who are now back in the ground and close to the pitch.
Players can now socialise but it is understood that they are being urged to be sensible and cautious because of the rise in cases throughout society.
