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  • Sports - Football - All Teams
  • Updated: February 28, 2020

Coronavirus: Newcastle United Ban Players' Handshakes

Coronavirus: Newcastle United Ban Players' Handshakes

 

English premier league side, Newcastle United, have banned players from engaging in handshakes around the club in a bid to curb the spread of the raging coronavirus.

The epidemic that originated in China has resulted in more than 2,700 deaths globally, with the illness having spread from Asia to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and more recently, Africa.

The virus has also hit the world of sport with a 22-year-old Italian footballer plying his trade with third-tier side, US Pianese, having tested positive for the disease on Thursday and Premier League side Newcastle have now moved to take preventative steps.

READ ALSOItalian Footballer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Although the club have not reported any flu-like symptoms, manager, Steve Bruce said: "There is a shaking hands ritual here, everyone shakes hands with each other when we see each other in the morning. We have stopped that on the back of the virus.

"Let's hope it doesn't get any worse. We are like everyone else, glued to the TV seeing what happens next. We are mindful of bugs sweeping through."

World Health Organization head Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus has told the BBC coronavirus has reached a "decisive point" and has "pandemic potential."

In football, four Serie A games were postponed last weekend, while Thursday's Europa League match between Inter and Ludogorets at the San Siro took place behind closed doors.

Furthermore, the Italian league ave made the decision to close the doors of five more fixtures to take place this weekend to fans, with Juventus thrilling clash against Inter Milan part of the affected matches and Manchester United manager feels the premier league might have to adopt a similar approach soon.

 "I think the whole world has to think differently and be aware of the virus," Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. "I think we'll definitely look at things. You can see what happens in Italy with the games and I think it's a worry for everyone. We've got to take the precautions we need to."

With Italy a Euro 2020 venue, UEFA issued a statement on Wednesday, saying "there is no need to change anything in the planned timetable" while also adding that "the issue will be kept under constant scrutiny."

Wembley will host seven matches at the tournament, the most of any of the 12 venues across Europe, and the Football Association is monitoring developments regarding the situation.

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