Tackling In Training Banned As Part Of New Directives Sent To Clubs

Tackling is to be banned in training as part of new radical changes made for phase one of 'Project Restart'.

Despite many players being against it, Premier League bosses are hopeful of clubs returning to training on Monday.

But things will not be as normal to begin with. The BBC are reporting that clubs have received a list of directives they are obliged to adhere to in the first phase due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Players will be split into five groups and remain two metres apart to maintain social distancing, though there must be no contact whatsoever - meaning any tasty tackles are banned.

Sessions must last no longer than 75 minutes and pitches, corner flags, balls, cones and goalposts need to be disinfected before and after every bit of training.

Coronavirus tests will be carried out twice per week on players, in addition to temperature checks and questionnaires being filled out prior to every session.

The planned second phase will see full first-team squads training together as per usual.

In terms of on the pitch for matchday, a report from the Daily Telegraph noted that the Premier League are suggesting players turn away in a tackle to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

The recommendation has been slammed by Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, who is baffled at the idea being talked about.

"That has been written by someone who has never played the game," Souness told Sky Sports.

"They're saying make your tackle and turn away? What if the ball is at your feet? That is the daftest thing I have heard in this getting back to football.

"You're getting players focused on the next 5-10 seconds in front of you, you haven't got time to think about anything else.

"I'm thinking at corner kicks and free kicks, you have to look at the man, you need to look at some of the man and some of the kicker - that won't change.

"The strikers will be ducking and diving, trying to get on the blindside of people, they won't be thinking about anything else. Whoever has come out with that tosh, isn't worth thinking about."

Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Covid-19

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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