'If football is shut down we know where the fault lies' Experts want action on Covid rule-breakers

Virologists, public health doctors and epidemiologists are queuing up to urge football’s governing bodies to crack down on Covid rule-breakers who celebrate goals in tight-knit huddles. Paul Pogba was mobbed by Manchester United team mates when he scored a goal at Burnley Manchester City players break Covid rules by hugging while celebrating against Brighton The latest expert to speak out is microbiologist Professor Paul Hunter, who was dismayed to see players hugging in celebration, after the Premier League had issued tough new guidance telling them to avoid just that only days before. That is something that should not have needed to happen if clubs and the took this seriously.’ Shutting down sport was considered as part of Boris Johnson's latest lockdown - and culture secretary Oliver Dowden has warned football's leaders over the game's issues The Premier League’s new protocols, issued on Friday, include avoiding 'unnecessary contact at all times' including 'handshakes and hugging', as well as instructions to wear face masks on the bench, spot checks of dressing rooms and team buses to ensure social distancing measures are being followed. And this comes after breaches of Covid rules by seven Premier League players form five clubs during the festive period, when they attended parties in breach Government sources have told Sportsmail that there is 'growing frustration' among ministers who don't want to see footballers breaking the rules in their private life or hugging on the pitch. Three Spurs stars and a West Ham player broke rules to party despite Covid-19 restrictions being in place over the Christmas period Troy Deeney has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to shut down football, while Professor Paul Hunter wants the sport to continue, but players to observe Covid rules Professor Hunter is the latest in a line of experts to speak out on Covid and football.