Troy Deeney opens up on family being abused after raising concerns over Project Restart

Watford captain Troy Deeney was among several players in Premier League who raised concerns about Premier League's Project Restart. Despite threat due to coronavirus pandemic still looming large in UK and across Europe, Premier League is determined to resume season. Players like Troy Deeney, Newcastle United's on-loan defender Danny Rose and Man City star Sergio Aguero have all expressed ir concerns over Premier League restart. Deeney refused to resume training as he cited concerns over infecting his five-month-old baby.

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Troy Deeney family abused by enrd fans

Earlier this week, Troy Deeney stated that his opinion against resuming season has t gone down well with fans. Deeney revealed some fans targetted his family, especially his five-month-old baby, and he was abused by some enrd fans. "I saw some comments in regards to my son, people saying: 'I hope your son gets corona[virus],'" Troy Deeney said during an interview with CNN Sport. "That's hard part for me. If you respond to that, people n go: 'Ah, we've got him' and y keep doing it."

Apart from abusing his family, Deeney says many fans claimed he was against restarting Premier League season because his side, Watford, were lying at bottom of table and are likely to be relegated.

With players receiving backlash for standing against Premier League restart, Deeney believes y will be cautious in expressing ir concerns and thoughts going forward. "In a time where it's all about mental health and everyone says: 'Speak up, speak out, please speak,' Danny Rose spoke out and I spoke out and we just get absolutely hammered and battered for it," Troy Deeney added.

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On Wednesday, Premier League clubs unanimously approved st two of league's 'Return to Training protocol', where teams can resume contact training. protocols were approved after consultation with clubs, players, manrs, Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), League Manrs' Associaton (LMA) and UK government. Squads will w be allowed to train as a group and tackling will also be allowed during training while minimising unnecessary close contact. Premier League's statement ted 1,008 players and staff members were tested for COVID-19; four have tested positive from three clubs.

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While a Premier League restart in month of June appears to likeliest outcome, Troy Deeney believes pandemic has ruined 2019-20 season. Watford captain said Liverpool deserve to be crowned Premier League champions after ir stellar season. However, per striker, pandemic means fans will remember this season for its abrupt nature and t Liverpool's "marathon" season. "I feel sorry for Liverpool because matter how it plays out, y deserve to win league. y deserve to get trophy. But matter how it plays out, even if we play all games, it's still going to be year spoiled by pandemic," he concluded.

Also Read | Premier League Restart: Watford's Troy Deeney Refuses To Train, Says Can't Risk Infection Around 5-month-old Baby