Rodgers demands Premier League be shut down over coronavirus after three of his stars are put in isolation
BRENDAN RODGERS says the Premier League should be shut down amid the coronavirus scare — after three of his first-team players were put into isolation.
The Leicester boss believes tomorrow’s trip to Watford is already in doubt and feels it would be the correct course of action to suspend matches.
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Rodgers revealed three of his players showed mild symptoms this week and self-isolated — although it is understood they have NOT been tested for coronavirus as their condition is not considered to meet the required threshold.
But the Foxes boss maintains games should be called off on “health and ethical grounds”.
He said: “There is absolutely no doubt, from a logical perspective.
“There is a feeling of waiting on it because of all the other countries where they have taken action. It just feels like a matter of time.”
Rodgers added the thought tomorrow’s lunchtime clash at Vicarage Road might not go ahead has made it difficult to prepare.
He added: “It’s clearly in doubt. There was doubt in the escalation of it at the beginning but I think now clearly everyone is seeing how bad it is.
“Obviously they will have to look at that. It is not 100 per cent the game will go ahead.
“It’s not ideal, I’m very conscious of everything that is going on around the isolation.”
Rodgers cannot quite believe the Premier League have not followed other countries’ leads and called games off.
He said: “Yes, that is the surprise but you can only take it that they are getting expert advice from the Government and the people who are taking responsibility.”
FOLLOWING PROCEDURE
Leicester have gone through the necessary procedures as a precaution with the players who have been isolated.
But they are not naming any of them — other than saying they are part of the first team.
Rodgers said: “We’ve had a few players who have shown symptoms and signs. They have been kept away from the squad.
“We’ve isolated them and we’ll see how that develops. There are three players.
“We’re taking all the necessary precautions that all clubs are doing. We’re following procedure.”
Rodgers says he is unsure whether the players concerned will be able to play at Watford if the game goes ahead.
But he added: “This is about health. This is more than football, this is players, their families and children.
“When the risk is there we have to mitigate against that. Me, the staff and the remaining players are very focused on the job in hand.
“We’ve been preparing the same, doing the same work, but there is clearly a side here that we are aware of.
“It does raise the question in terms of there is the public’s health and an ethical side to this as well.
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“Players could be going into games where they are unsure if their team-mates or the opposition are clear or infected with the virus.
“Clearly it’s something that’s come on us very quickly. Ultimately there should be no risk taken in the public’s health. That’s key.”
Rodgers admits this is new ground for everyone. He added: “It certainly wasn’t on the Uefa Pro licence, that’s for sure!
“But like I say, you just have to retain the focus. The job is to manage it.”