Sheffield United chief Chris Wilder apologises for 'insensitive' comments

Scenes involving players of the Blades, Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham celebrating goals have received censure this week - in the light of the Premier League urging players and staff to avoid “unnecessary contact” in the light of a surge in Covid-19 infections.

Top-flight chief executive Richard Masters recently wrote to clubs to "stress the critical importance of adhering" to strengthened Covid-19 protocols. They were reminded that "handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided", with players urged to be responsible.

Government officials have also urged players to curb their celebrations to limit social contact.

Wilder, who had spoken after the Newcastle game about the difficulties of his players not celebrating given the emotion of securing their first league victory in just over six months, said: “You are caught up in the game and a very busy man at the moment - or always seem to be - and I apologise personally if my comments were found to be insensitive.

“It is a very emotive game..I am on a Premier League managers’ meeting this (Friday) afternoon and we have had some instructions over the past week regarding the situation.

“I don’t think I was on my own as a manager and I think the majority of managers have said the same thing. We understand and have to adapt and do better and we will try to do better and adapt.

“As you saw on Tuesday night, it doesn’t make it right whether it was at Burnley or at Spurs the night after or at Bramall Lane on the other game which took place on Tuesday night where there were celebrations.

“The longer this goes on, the players will adapt to it more, but the message for us is right. It is very emotive, but there is the other part of it and we have all been affected by it.

“We all know people that have been affected by the virus and people who are working in the NHS and are doing a magnificent job.

“We know people who have suffered from it at our football club. You look at our club and we have had five positive cases of the virus out of about 1,300 tests, so I think that shows how serious we are taking to it and sticking to the protocols.

“But I apologise, of course as you get caught up in talking about the question of emotion.We will all do our bit to keep football going and adhere to protocols.”