Wayne Rooney claims footballers treated like guinea pigs amidst Coronavirus widespread

Wayne Rooney made an honest claim, saying footballers treated like guinea pigs, while the Coronavirus outbreak halted rest sporting activities.

The professional leagues in England have been suspended till April 3, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Europe, but the decision came out much later than required.

Meanwhile, former Premier League star Wayne Rooney wrote in the Sunday Times that how players have been used as guinea pigs while rest of the sporting events got cancelled much before.

“For players, staff and their families it has been a worrying week,” he said. “One in which you felt a lack of leadership from the government and from the FA and Premier League.

“The rest of sport – tennis, Formula 1, rugby, golf, football in other countries – was closing down and we were being told to carry on.” he wrote.

“I think a lot of footballers were wondering, ‘Is it something to do with money being involved in this?’. Why did we wait until Friday? Why did it take Mikel Arteta [Arsenal manager] to get ill for the game in England to do the right thing?

“After the emergency meeting, at last, the right decision was made – until then it almost felt like footballers in England was being treated like guinea pigs. he further wrote.

“I know how I feel. If any of my family get infected through me because I’ve had to play when it’s not safe, and they get seriously ill, I’d have to think hard about ever playing again. I would never forgive the authorities.”

The player has further stated that he is ready to play till September if it ensures the safety of the players and fans, as the football calendar might face huge shocks due to postponement.

“We’re happy to play until September if the season extends to then if that’s how it has to be. That’s our job,” Rooney added. “As long as we know we’re safe to play and it’s a safe environment for spectators, we’ll play.

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“The next World Cup is in November and December 2022, so you could actually use this situation as an opportunity and say we’re going to finish the 2019-20 season later this year, then prepare for 2022 by having the next two seasons starting in winter.”

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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