Sheffield United's Ben Osborn has his say on controversy surrounding goal celebrations amid Covid-19 pandemic

The Government has told Premier League players to stop gathering in groups to celebrate after scoring goals, as the country battles the more virulent second strain of Covid-19 that is causing infections and deaths to rise by the day around the country.

Elite sport was again allowed to continue despite the country returning to lockdown, but extra focus has been placed on players.

Adrian Durham, on Talksport, singled out United boss Chris Wilder for his comments about the emotion of scoring, despite top-flight managers including Sam Allardyce, Roy Hodgson and Ole Gunnar Solskjær expressing similar sentiments.

And Osborn, speaking today ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane, admitted: "It's difficult, isn't it? With the emotions of the game it doesn't cross your mind in the moment.

"But like anything, the more it's drilled into you and spoken about, you may become more conscious of it.

"The whole country's had to make sacrifices.

"It's going to be difficult not to celebrate and congratulate your teammates, and it's been difficult to socially distance during a game.

"But we've got to adapt."

"I don't quite get the argument that some people have been making, that I've seen on telly," Osborn added.

"But it's strange times, isn't it?"

Premier League referees will warn captains "the eyes of the world are on us" to specifically remind Premier League players of their responsibilities through pre-match meetings with captains.

Chief executive Richard Masters wrote to all the Premier League clubs on Tuesday, reiterating the importance of adhering to new, stricter coronavirus protocols.

Players have been told to avoid hugging, handshakes and swapping shirts as the coronavirus protocols are raised in the wake of several outbreaks at clubs and a clutch of postponed matches.

Referees are understood to have been told by Premier League bosses to remind players that Government support for football to continue is based around compliance with the strict protocols that were enhanced still further last week.

The Premier League's Covid officers have been granted extra powers to check dressing rooms and team buses to ensure compliance with social distancing measures.

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