Derby‘s Wayne Rooney makes furious coronavirus threat towards the government and the football authorities in his column for The Times.
The former England international and Premier League player has accused the authorities of treating footballers like “guinea pigs” and says he would “never forgive” them if his family were to be ill as a result.
He claimed if it came to that, he would seriously consider whether to play again, whilst also proposing a radical schedule shake-up, which could see the current season being concluded as late as September, and the next two kicking off in winter-time.
It was on Thursday that the government allowed sporting events to continue, however, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed he tested positive, which led to the Premier League and EFL suspending the league on Friday until Saturday the 4th of April.
Just like Gary Neville, Rooney weren’t happy at how long it took to halt the season.
Delighted to be joining @thesundaytimes Sports section as a columnist, read my views on the Corona Virus and why it took Arteta’s illness for common sense action in Football. https://t.co/OSu76IyCnH
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) March 15, 2020
He wrote in his column: “Why did we wait until Friday? Why did it take Mikel Arteta to get ill for the game in England to do the right thing?
“For players, staff and their families it has been a worrying week – one in which you felt a lack of leadership from the government and from the FA and Premier League.
“After the emergency meeting, at last the right decision was made – until then it almost felt like footballers in England were being treated like guinea pigs.
“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 rest of sport – tennis, Formula One, rugby, golf, football in other countries – was closing down and we were being told to carry on.
“I think a lot of footballers were wondering, ‘Is it something to do with money being involved in this?’
“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. As long as we know we’re safe to play and it’s a safe environment for spectators, we’ll play.
“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.”
The 34 year old is over two months into his time as a player-coach at Championship club Derby, who are currently five points off a playoff place with nine games of the season remaining.
Fans gave their thoughts as Derby’s Wayne Rooney makes a furious coronavirus threat…
Jesus…..me, me, me…….and no mention of the thousands of fans coming to the game! Such egotistical commentary from a diva!
— Joe McKittrick (@joemacsitric) March 15, 2020
Fuck off Rooney, try being an average working man…. its the ordinary workforce keeping the country going at the min
— sam wilson (@samRFCwilson) March 15, 2020
if you read the article mate he actually means it in the sense that footballers in England were being forced to carry on, whilst sport in other parts of Europe was being stopped. It took a premier league manager contracting the virus for them to take action
— matt (@Matthew_Nield) March 15, 2020
What a prat he has numerous privileges and an easy life due to the wealth made from football!! He forgets the majority of the public have to work hard to make ends meet and can’t just take time off with no pay and have worries for family and income!!!
— Jon Woods (@Jonwoods72) March 15, 2020
At last! Been waiting anxiously to hear your views on the Coronavirus.
— Craig Boorer (@craigboorer) March 15, 2020
Footballers guinea pigs? Don’t talk through your arse. The vast majority of the country haven’t had the option to stop working. Public sector and utility workers have no option but to enter homes or come into contact with people not knowing if they’ll be exposed to it.
— Jack Schitt (@WangPhatt) March 15, 2020
What a ??
— Darren Evans (@dazz20) March 15, 2020
Why do footballers think they are so special? I still have to go to work every day. In and out of about 8 different houses a day. Yet pampered players feel hard done by. Stupid mugs.
— ENIC OUT PAUL (@paulyboym1) March 15, 2020
Idiot
— Matt Richards (@MattRich1969) March 15, 2020
Everyone else is going to work and following the advice What makes him different
— Jd (@Jdsportsfan1) March 15, 2020
The guinea pigs are the normal people still having to go into work because they haven't got millions in the bank. I would happily be at home with my family instead of going to work because I can't afford not to.
— David Andrews (@83Diddy) March 15, 2020
Oh Good. Wayne Rooney is now a national strategist and part-time Virologist.
— Neil Harris (@nharris1978) March 15, 2020
What a prat, at least he can be a Guinea pig in a mansion and know he gets paid thousands, most of us will either lose jobs, loved ones and suffer. What an over paid prima Donna
— Steve Good (@SteveGood5) March 15, 2020
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