'If a footballer dies of Covid-19, all hell will break loose' - Former Sheffield United striker queries football's determination to restart amidst coronavirus pandemic

Clubs in the Premier League, including United, have returned to group training today in the next stage of the top flight's 'project restart' plans, aimed at concluding a season which has been postponed since March 13 in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

Premier League chiefs remain hopeful of resuming games this summer but Taylor, now of Charlton Athletic, is unsure why.

"If football can't be played as football is, why are we forcing it?" he asked, in a video chat with 'The Conv3rsation'.

"I don't understand it. We [footballers] are human beings, we can get it and we can die. If a footballer gets this and dies, watch all hell break loose.

"I've seen people saying 'everyone else is being told to go back to work' but that's if they can work in a safe environment, and socially distance from others.

"I can't play football without getting in someone's face or getting touch-tight, so surely my job is not doable. If I can't do it, why are they telling me that I have to go back to work?"

The restart plan centres around regular testing for players - another point Taylor takes exception to.

"Why are we getting tested?" he added. "There are people out there dying, people are losing members of their families and people can’t get tests and are suffering and may be carrying this virus.

"Why are we wasting the time and money and resources on people who aren’t vital? We aren’t necessary, we are not the be-all and end-all of everything.

"I think it’s right that people are able to go back and work if it’s safe.

"But people have been furloughed at Charlton, who work in the ticket office and in hospitality. They aren't going to be coming back if football comes back.

"So who are we really forcing this through for?"

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