Danny Rose says he has no problem giving up portion of wages but players’ ‘backs are against the wall’

Rose admits Premier League players feel their ‘backs are against the wall’ after politicians joined those calling for action

Ian Parker
Saturday 04 April 2020 10:59 BST
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(Getty)

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On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have “no problem” contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

But Rose admits Premier League players feel their “backs are against the wall” after politicians joined those calling for action.

Premier League clubs have proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent to ease the financial burden caused by the cuts, while the league has announced a contribution of £20million to the NHS and £125million to the lower leagues.

Newcastle and Rose’s parent club Tottenham are among clubs to have furloughed some non-playing staff during the crisis, prompting criticism as players continue to receive their full salary.

“We’re all keen to make something happen,” Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Rose has said he would happily contribute a portion of his wages
Rose has said he would happily contribute a portion of his wages (Getty)

“I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by what’s happening at the minute.”

On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a £19,000 donation to hospital funds.

That came on the same day that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson led talks between Premier League club captains over what action they could take – a move that begun before Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday joined those singling out footballers.

“We sort of feel our backs are against the wall,” Rose added. “Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.

“I’ve been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and he’s working so hard to come up with something.

“It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.”

Talks are due to take place on Saturday between the league, clubs and players representatives.

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