Great Britain is headed towards another lockdown after a new surge of Covid-19 infections. While I understand trying to get back to some sense of normalcy and people needing to go out after being cooped up too long at home, it is still foolhardy and risky to be going back with no available vaccine.
However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated that football will go on. At least in the English Premier League and in Wales. As for non-elite football, there is still no indication. That may well change soon as there are already fixtures drawn up.
The new announcement though affects other sports and sports ventures from swimming to golf courses and driving ranges to leisure centers and gyms.
So far, England’s own bubble is working (although there have been some infections here and there across Europe’s football landscape. The hopes that spectators would soon return to sporting venues has once more been dashed. And quite right, If I must add.
Not until there is a vaccine.
But isn’t football continuing to be playing foolhardy? It doesn’t exempt the players from contracting the virus.
I guess, it depends from where you look at it.
On one hand though, it is a coping mechanism. You can say that the coaches, football players, support staff, and the league officials and referees are frontliners in their own way.
They will provide entertainment and distractions. Some talking points outside Covid and the economy.
I think English football officials recognize that. Having said that, they must redouble their efforts to ensure more and better testing and keeping everyone safe. It will take some serious conditions for football to be shut down, as well.
I think these football players must understand not only the risks but the responsibilities put forward to them. They too have been given a chance most others aren’t. To be able to go out and train—while fearsome too—is good. It gets their mind off cabin fever among others.
On the other hand, the latest restrictions could also affect other jobs.
I think it is incumbent upon every company to look for solutions. People as well, shouldn’t be complacent and must also look into alternative sources of income.
Furthermore, the lockdown is only for a month. At least, that is wishful thinking.
As much as I am fine with football staying. I think it should be domestic football only. European competition or even international competition, should be set aside for now. The more travel there is, the more competitions there are, they run the risk of greater contamination.
One cannot completely be sure how stringent the measures are outside one’s own bubble.
Yes, English football will stay. But it will be under tremendous scrutiny. As if it already isn’t (given the VAR controversies and all the sub-plot talking points).