Liverpool and Benfica players elected to come up with an alternative to handshakes ahead of their UEFA Youth League this afternoon.
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Precautionary handshakes were taken due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the world and so instead of the usual pre-match greeting, both sets of players and the officials touched elbows ahead of Benfica's dominant 4-1 victory.
Liverpool and Benfica's substitute follows on from The SFA and SPFL writing to clubs to inform them that players and club officials are banned from shaking hands with their opponents before and after matches, starting with tonight's fixtures.
The decision has been taken on the recommendation on the recommendation by the SFA/SPFL Coronavirus Response Group.
A statement from SFA president Ian Maxwell and SPFL head Neil Doncaster read: "As you may be aware from yesterday's circular, the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have formed a joint response group to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus in the national game.
"At today's daily briefing, it was agreed that with immediate effect we would seek to suspended the traditional practice of shaking hands between opponents and match officials prior to and following matches
"This is keeping with the Scottish Government's circulated guidance on appropriate steps to reduce person-to-person contact and the resultant spread of the infection, and will remain in effect until further notice.
"We would request that you instruct all players, coaching staff and match officials on the latest guidance prior to the latest round of fixtures, starting this evening.
"We are grateful for your co-operation on this matter as we take a commonsense approach to the current situation."
Over in Italy, a number of Serie A fixtures including Inter Milan vs Juventus have been cancelled due to coronavirus fears, while UEFA have admitted they are currently at a 'waiting stage' as to whether Euro 2020 will go ahead as planned this summer due to the recent outbreak.
RaheemStoner
0
that's a Jamaican way of greeting a friend it was originated in Jamaica
Tell dem again
RaheemStoner
1
Don’t make no difference
Marshall kopite
0
To me I believe this virus is been spread by some people who has the cure but are waiting for it to evenly spread so they can make money I believe in God before this month runs out an end will come to this virus
🙏
Aadim_Chaulagain
0
To me I believe this virus is been spread by some people who has the cure but are waiting for it to evenly spread so they can make money I believe in God before this month runs out an end will come to this virus
People like you are the reason why everyone say humanity is stupid. “I believe in God”. 😂😂😂 Where is your god in viruses like HIV, Ebola or any other. I think your god is sleeping in the bed and riding some filthy angels.
Pusnpsy
1
that's a Jamaican way of greeting a friend it was originated in Jamaica
Marshall kopite
3
To me I believe this virus is been spread by some people who has the cure but are waiting for it to evenly spread so they can make money I believe in God before this month runs out an end will come to this virus
__arkopaul__
4
can someone please explain to me the point behind banning handshakes..I mean football is a body contact game..during a match the players sweat can come in contact with your body..so can't see any sense behind that
lordofUtterbol
0
Great sportsmanship but defeats the purpose.( maybe a little decrease but aerosols can sprayed on forearms and back of hand also). Not to mention the whole idea was not so great to begin with. Seriously, sport where most play probably close very close to each other, handshakes didn't really increase anything. 😷 would have been good.
Bunaeimnuy
3
because of this stupid thing liverpool had been losed in their last played games haha lol