Published 12:40 IST, April 30th 2020

Gary Neville blasts Premier League for 'Project Restart', prioritising money over players

Gary Neville is unhappy that the Premier League is discussing a return during the coronavirus lockdown. Neville claims this is purely down to economic reasons.

Reported by: Sujay Chakraborty
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Manchester United legend Gary Neville is seemingly unhappy with Premier League for planning a return despite threat of COVID-19 still looming large. league is reportedly determined to resume all football activities by June and have already instructed clubs to begin training in mid-May. As a part of 'Project Restart', Premier League is reportedly planning to deploy tests for almost 20,000 players and staff to ensure safety and also find a conclusion to ir currently halted season.

Also Read | Gary Neville Turns Arbitrator During EFL Pay Cut Negotiations Between Players And Clubs

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Premier League return: Neville in favour of Premier League suspension

However, Gary Neville is t a big supporter of a Premier League return as he criticised top officials for prioritising ecomic factors over player safety. former Man United skipper turned pundit joined Sky Sports on Football Show Wednesday podcast where he vented his frustrations with  league's decision to resume football in wake of pandemic.

"People are w assessing risk. How many people have to die playing football in Premier League before it becomes unpalatable? One? One player? One member of staff goes into intensive care? What risk do we have to take?" Gary Neville said on podcast.

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Also Read | Gary Neville Makes Significant Contribution To Brighouse Football Club

Premier League return: Project Restart only serves ecomic reasons, claims Neville

Gary Neville furr suggested that only reason a Premier League return is being discussed is to avoid an ecomic debacle. If situation was decided based on n-ecomic decisions, re would football activities for months, according to Neville. former Man United star furr explained that players at lower levels and those whose contracts will run out in three months will want to play to continue earning a paycheck. Meanwhile, top clubs in league have huge investments, TV rights deal and several sponsorship deals at stake if season fails to resume. However, Gary Neville feels Premier League and UK Government should follow suit with France and declare ir season over.

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Also Read | Ligue 1 Cancelled To Set French Top-flight Clubs Back by €200 Million, Premier League Return?

Meanwhile, Premier League's 'Project Restart' seems to be garing pace as on Wednesday it was reported that UK Government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson has approved league's five-point framework for a return. Per British media, Premier League clubs are planning to resume training by May 18 to prepare for season to restart in June. League officials are also planning to run a massive testing operation to ensure player safety, with reports of over 26,000 tests being prepared for players and staff. Premier League plans to resume season in June and complete all its fixtures by July in time for UEFA's European competitions. 

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Also Read | Man United Legend Gary Neville Slams Premier League Suspension For Mishandling Coronavirus Crisis

12:40 IST, April 30th 2020