Tottenham and Newcastle United defender Danny Rose hits out at plans for Premier League restart

Newcastle United's Danny Rose. PA Photo. | PA (Press Association)

Tottenham and Newcastle United defender Danny Rose has hit out at plans to bring Premier League football back next month and slammed the notion that sport should be used to raise the population's spirits following the coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined a series of phased measures which include the possibility of behind-closed-doors sporting events from June 1, a situation he said would offer a "much-needed boost to the national morale".

The Premier League's 'Project Restart' has been looking at a return to action in the coming weeks but Rose treated the discussions with a combination of anger and disdain during an appearance on Instagram Live.

Rose, speaking on Lock'Don Live, said: "Government is saying 'bring football back' because it is going to boost the nation's morale.

"I don't give a **** about the nation's morale, bro, people's lives are at risk.

“Football shouldn't even be spoke about coming back until the numbers (infected or dying) have dropped massively. It's b******s. We'll see."

Rose, who had been playing on loan for Newcastle before the pandemic forced the sporting hiatus, added: "I'm supposed to go back, I think I'm getting tested on Friday so we will just have to wait and see."

All football was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League and EFL hope to complete the season behind-closed-doors, though there are reports League One and Two could be cancelled this week.