Jerry Bengtson Wears Face Mask During Football Match To Protect His Family

Club Olimpia's Jerry Bengtson became the first footballer to wear a face mask during an actual football match amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Honduran forward, 33, made a big splash on social media when he wore a face mask in his side's CONCACAF Champions League clash against Montreal Impact.

The club captain sported a face mask for the duration of the game with Club Olimpia securing a spot in the next round after beating the MLS outfit on away goals.

But it's believed that he wears it in every game in the domestic league in Honduras.

It's suggested that wearing a face mask can impair breathing in high-performance athletes, though coach Pedro Troglio isn't concerned but does believe it's "weird" as he's the only player who wears one.

"It's weird because he's the only player on the squad and in the championship who plays with a mask," he said.

"It doesn't bother him and he's also scoring goals."

According to local reports, Bengtson wears a face mask to prevent catching the illness and protect his family.

Needless to say, his decision to wear a face mask during competition got fans talking online.

One social media user wrote: "My goodness. I sweat like a hog when I workout and my mask gets soaked. If I did it in Honduras it would be like water boarding myself. This man is a beast."

A second argued: "Isn't it advised against wearing a mask while doing a lot of exercise? Of course I understand why if it's possible some would choose to. But in theory players on the pitch are all tested and negative so other than coming off the pitch you shouldn't need to put a mask?"

A third added: "If he could wear a mask while playing a sport, then you have no excuse to not wear one."

Will footballers across Europe catch on and wear a face mask? Watch this space.