Watford manager Nigel Pearson has hit out at Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Premier League, Football League and WSL have been suspended as a result of the pandemic.
No English football until 3rd April. pic.twitter.com/XlICx7GIzo
— 90min (@90min_Football) March 13, 2020
Johnson called a press conference on Thursday to address the escalating situation, but Pearson was left unimpressed with his comments.
"I was totally underwhelmed by the lack of leadership and clear message, in terms of what was said in that press conference.
"We are trying to be proactive ourselves and hopefully the Premier League will make strong decisions based on what is right for everybody in the game."
Pearson is not the first person from footballing circles to criticise the Prime Minister. Following Johnson's press conference, where he insisted that the UK would not be closing schools, Cesc Fabregas took to Twitter to voice his concerns.
So, you’re saying and admitting the disease will spread so much over the next weeks/months but you’re not closing schools “just yet”... You will have to close them eventually anyway. Why not do it now and avoid more trouble? 🤷🏻♂️ #LetsBeResponsable https://t.co/24zmQ0l5X8
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) March 12, 2020
"So, you’re saying and admitting the disease will spread so much over the next weeks/months but you’re not closing schools “just yet”...," Fabregas wrote.
"You will have to close them eventually anyway. Why not do it now and avoid more trouble? #LetsBeResponsable"
Lucas Digne gave a less scathing assessment of the situation than Fabregas, but also showed his dismay at the PM's comments.
The Everton left-back replied to the video of Johnson posted by BBC News on Twitter with three 'see no evil monkey' emojis.
Source: 90min