Gary Neville has slammed Boris Johnson over the government’s response to COVID-19.
The coronavirus is currently gripping the UK and the rest of the world — though Johnson’s lacklustre approach a shined a negative light on the nation, putting its people at greater risk with figures yet to peak from the outbreak.
Neville has announced that he will offer his hotels to be used for free by NHS staff, and has promised to continue paying workers despite these uncertain times for the economy.
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In all of this, the former Manchester United captain has been an outspoken critic of the way Johnson has dealt with the pandemic, slamming the Prime Minster for lacking in leadership and sending mixed messages.
Speaking last night on Sky Sports, as quoted by the Mirror, Neville said: “In moments of crisis the real leaders stand up and make though decisions which sometimes go against the grain of essentially what’s happening.
“The government at that time (the start of the pandemic), through Boris Johnson, were essentially zig-zagging all over the place with their messages.
“Even today he’s talked about ‘let’s protect each other’ – I watched his address earlier on — and he talked about self-isolating, protect yourself and each other, be resilient on this, but he’s not shut clubs, bars, restaurants, pubs, schools aren’t closing until tomorrow evening.
“The messages are so conflicting from the government and, to be fair, economically driven at times I have to say.
“I felt the Premier League saying that the games would continue for another weekend was almost ‘winging it’ to try and get another round in.
“I understand the complexities of it but I do feel decisive leadership is important.”
"There is an opportunity for the Premier League to lead the way."@GNev2 thinks the Premier League can help health services and the football community to recover from the coronavirus pandemic…
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 19, 2020
Right now we need clear and coherent information. No wishy-washy time buying.
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