COVID-19: Premier League players told to avoid hugs, high fives and handshakes after scoring
Clubs have been advised of the new rules, but one manager says his players may not be able to comply as it could be "weird".
Friday 15 January 2021 21:02, UK
Footballers must "change their behaviours" to adjust to coronavirus rules on the pitch, the Premier League boss has said, meaning no more hugs to celebrate goals.
Chief executive Richard Masters has called for teams to practice socially distanced celebrations when they score to abide by tougher COVID protocols.
"If every club does that, they will get the hang of it," he told Sky Sports.
"We're asking players not to group hug, we're asking players to change their behaviours," he continued.
"All sport is played in the moment; is played with emotion.
"If we set ourselves the target of perfection, we will fall short."
He added: "It's OK to ask people to adjust."
Premier League football and other elite sports have been permitted to continue throughout lockdown - although enhanced restrictions have come into play.
Last week, clubs were contacted by the league with guidance about new measures to limit transmission that said "handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided".
However, goal celebrations that flout the rules have still be going ahead among players from Sheffield United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham.
Club captains and managers met on two conference calls with the Premier League on Thursday and Friday, reassuring Mr Masters that they are "all behind" the new measures.
"It's a dialogue, not an instruction," he said.
"There is absolutely no complacency at the Premier League or at clubs. But there isn't a sense of panic.
"We know we're in a significant situation and we're fortunate to be playing. We don't take that for granted."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was unsure whether his players would be able to contain themselves enough to follow the rules as it would feel "weird" not to celebrate in the traditional way.
He said: "We are going to respect the protocols. It is not just for us, it is for the rest of society. But the moment you score a goal and one guy runs and the others don't go to celebrate with him, it is weird and uncomfortable.
"We will follow what the Premier League says but I don't know if we will be able to do it."
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on , , ,
According to Mr Masters, the league is also preparing for supporters to be locked out of stadiums beyond the end of this season, saying it was "difficult to guess" when they would be allowed to return.
"The focus now is on completing the season," he said. "We're hugely optimistic for the start of next season; the vaccination programme will have returned this country to some semblance of normality.
"If it happens before then, football will be ready to welcome fans back."