The Premier League has claimed that 81% of players featuring in England’s top flight have had at least one Covid-19 vaccination dose while 68% of them were fully vaccinated.
In September, the British media had reported that only seven of England’s 20 Premier League clubs had squads where more than 50% of players were vaccinated.
Follwoing the report, England manager Gareth Southgate had said that some players were not vaccinated because their opinions could be swayed by the conspiracy theories on social media.
“The Premier League can confirm today that 81 per cent of players have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, with 68 per cent now fully vaccinated. Vaccination rates are collected by the Premier League on a weekly basis and the League continues to work with clubs to encourage vaccination among players and club staff,” the league said in a statement.
“No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and player vaccination rates will be communicated at appropriate intervals in the future,” it added.
Earlier, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Newcastle United coach Steve Bruce had said that few of their players had declined to take the vaccine.
Notably, the Premier League had teamed up with the British government to make videos encouraging players to take the jab.
Recently, the league, in discussion with all clubs, had updated the matchday protocols for fans in the stadiums.
Issuing a statement, the league had said: “Every fan attending Premier League fixtures must be prepared to show their NHS COVID Pass ahead of entering the stadium if they are aged 18 or over. If you are unable to produce an NHS COVID Pass, supporters should show alternative proof that you have been fully vaccinated or have registered a negative COVID test result in the previous 48 hours, as close to matchday as possible. Tests can be ordered for free here.”
“If you are unable to produce an NHS COVID Pass, supporters should show other evidence of full vaccination, or a negative COVID test taken within the previous 48 hours. Fans will be able to do this by obtaining their NHS COVID Pass through the NHS app or website link. Supporters can expect staff to check COVID Certification on entry as all clubs will conduct random spot checks and have the authority to refuse entry to the ground if a supporter does not provide the necessary COVID-19 status evidence and they are not exempt,” it added.
The league also urged the fans and supporters to comply with a Code of Conduct, which would make the protocols clear and encourages good public health behaviours in grounds.
The league further advised the fans to not attend matches if there is any risk they can pass on COVID-19 and asked them to support and cheer for their favourite teams from home if they are showing any symptoms.
The league also said that it will continue to work closely with the Government, local authorities, and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance.