The boss of the FIFPro world players' union, Jonas Baer-Hoffmann, gave his support on Wednesday to footballers refusing to resume training for fear of the coronavirus, warning that it would be "inhuman and unacceptable" that they be punished for their decision .
Jonas Baer-Hoffmann reacted after the refusal of Troy Deeney, Watford player in the Premier League, to resume training for fear of endangering the health of his young child, who has breathing difficulties.
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- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) May 20, 2020Deeney is "a player who has very legitimate concerns and wants to protect his family," said the boss of FIFPro during a press conference on Wednesday. "If these players are pressured or face disciplinary action, we would find this unacceptable," said Baer-Hoffman.
"The idea that someone could be punished during a pandemic for trying to protect the health of their family is inhuman and unacceptable," he said as the club has yet to show any signs of a possible sanction. Watford is among the Premier League clubs affected by six positive coronavirus cases out of a total of 748 tests performed on Sunday and Monday. Other players have expressed concern about resuming training, even in small groups.
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