Steve Bruce reveals his view on Premier League 'circuit-breaker' after Newcastle United Covid-19 outbreak

Steve Bruce has insisted players have to come first as the Premier League wrestles with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

Newcastle United head into the New Year still dealing with the after-effects of an outbreak which has left key players, including skipper Jamaal Lascelles and star man Allan Saint-Maximin, battling their way back from the virus.

Newcastle’s scheduled league trip to Aston Villa earlier this month was postponed as a result and Manchester City, and Fulham have since had to call off fixtures following positive tests.

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Bruce, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Leicester City, understands why there have been calls in some quarters for a “circuit-breaker”.

He said: “I really, really hope that people can understand that when it strikes a footballer, yes, the vast majority of them it just washes over, but we’ve got one or two who are still struggling.

“We’ve got one or two players who are playing who are still not 100%, and I’ve got staff who have been really sick with it, so we have to have the welfare of the players first.

“If doctors or Public Health England think that’s (a circuit-breaker) a good idea, then I’ll go with the advice.

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“I understand that football gives everybody something to watch, but we have to think of the well-being of the players and the staff who, at this awful time, take the brunt.

“I am witness to it, of how quickly this thing can grab a hold of any environment the way it did with us.”